£31 million BAA investment 250 new jobs expected State of-the-art security More space to relax Bigger, better shops - with more to come in 2009

It's the size of a football pitch, has taken 18 months to build and cost airport operator BAA Glasgow £31 million - now Glasgow Airport's terminal extension has opened to passengers, offering state of the art security, more space to relax, and bigger and better shops.

The main phase of the project - a £12 million security search area - opened to passengers at 04.00 earlier today.

The new search area forms the centrepiece of the 4000 square metre extension, which also includes a new UK arrivals hall, new bars, restaurants and shops, and additional seating capacity.

More improvements are planned in the next, and final, phase of the development, as work gets underway to upgrade and refurbish the existing terminal building to provide new fashion stores, catering facilities and extra seating.

The terminal re-development is expected to create up to 250 new retail jobs by spring 2009.

A new way to travel
From today, all departing passengers will access the same purpose built, state of the art security search area, one of the largest in the UK, located on the first floor.

The new security zone features 10 new Atix x-ray machines, with capacity for a further four, when required.

Once through security, passengers will enjoy access to the full range of shops, bars, restaurants and lounges available in the main terminal. The transformation means that domestic passengers will be able to use facilities previously only available to international passengers, including Glasgow Airport's skylounge. The development also includes a new World Duty Free store, open to all departing passengers.

The new terminal extension was designed by architects 3D Reid and built by Balfour Beatty over an 18 month period. Almost 90 massive concrete piles were hammered into the ground to form the foundations of the new building, which includes 420 tonnes of steel frame.

The building also features a revolutionary translucent cladding system known as Kalwall, a highly-insulating material that is amongst the most energy efficient in the world. Kalwall absorbs external daylight, allowing natural light to flood the terminal, reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating.

The new extension also provides a covered walkway into the adjacent T2 check-in facility.

Amanda McMillan, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport said: "This is an exciting day for Glasgow Airport, for the many thousands of staff who work here, and for the hundreds of local people who will benefit from our investment and the resulting jobs boost.

"The opening of our new terminal extension is an important milestone in the ongoing transformation of Glasgow's airport. For passengers, it means a smoother journey through the airport, more space to relax and a wider choice of bars, shops and restaurants.

"Security is our number one priority, and we have invested heavily to build one of the largest security search areas in the UK, using the latest x-ray technology to speed passengers safely through the airport. Once through security, passengers can move freely throughout the main terminal. With most shops and restaurants located airside, that means more choice for all departing passengers.

"Over the course of the next few months, we will begin upgrading the existing terminal building to provide additional seating areas, new shops and catering facilities. But this is just the start of our journey.

"This project is part of a planned £200 million ten year investment by BAA Glasgow, and is the first of many major developments planned at Glasgow Airport, including the new rail link and a second international pier.

"By 2014, when Glasgow hosts the Commonwealth Games, the airport will be substantially transformed, boasting world class surface access links and a modern, welcoming environment.

"There are exciting times ahead for Glasgow Airport."

Nigel Ostime, Director of architects 3DReid said: "The primary aim of the design has been to improve the passenger experience. The use of natural daylight has been optimised to improve both the quality of the spaces and the energy efficiency of the building. Windows were not an option for the security search area and so the façade is clad in a translucent, insulated material, which floods the internal space with light, whilst preventing glare and solar gain."

Tim Clarke, Balfour Beatty Construction's Divisional Managing Director said: "The delivery of this facility is a great example of what can be achieved within a partnership agreement. The Balfour Beatty team and supply chain delivered this project on time with a determination fostered by the strong relationship with BAA and the rest of the team. A great achievement."

The opening of the new look terminal extension coincides with a £2 million project to bolster security at Glasgow Airport, following last year's attack. Hundreds of steel encased bollards will be installed along the length of the terminal building by Christmas, allowing the eventual re-opening of the airport's inner forecourt to public transport vehicles.