BA is hoping to deflect attention away from its poor monthly figures by announcing a series of improvements at T5. Business travellers are top of the agenda in making good the earlier launch fiasco, as the airline says it is creating a dedicated check-in area for business class customers and will also shortly open an additional business class lounge.

Extra facilities are also being proposed to help business class customers through ticket presentation as they approach security.

Willie Walsh, British Airways’ chief executive, said: “Every day I get emails, letters or comments from customers telling me how much they enjoy using the terminal.”

“When the terminal opened, it was handling around 40,000 customers a day. As the summer holidays approach, passenger numbers are expected to rise from an average 57,000 a day at present to more than 65,000 a day.”

“We know there is scope for further improvement and we are absolutely committed to achieving it. But we have made a very encouraging start to life in our new home.”
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