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  • About to board their Sri Lankan airlines flight to the Maldives, crowds of economy class passengers stand and make an orderly queue when their flight has been called by ground staff at London Heathrow airport England. Lines of people from all nations can be seen reflected in a large window that also overlooks the airport apron where their front-facing Airbus A340-300 aircraft awaits them, its flight-deck crew is seen in the cockpit readying their plane for the long night journey ahead. Catering service trucks are parked alongside the aircraft, loading supplies and all is on schedule from this large intercontinental airport hub to the much smaller island airfield in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the idyllic destination for holidaying Europeans.
    maldives01-10-11-2007.jpg
  • A red Hawk jet aircraft belonging to the elite 'Red Arrows', Britain's prestigious Royal Air Force aerobatic team, is parked outside a nearby hangar on the concrete 'apron' (where aircraft park) at the squadron's headquarters at RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire. A member of the team's support ground crew (the Blues because of their distinctive blue overalls worn at summer air shows) prepare to refuel as the last daylight fades and artificial light from the hangar illuminates the scene. Their winter training schedule is both rigorous on the aircraft and demanding on the pilots who will typically fly up to six times a day in preparation of the forthcoming summer when they display at 90-plus air shows. After the day's flying, the engineers' night shift arrive to service and maintain the aging fleet of 11 aircraft.
    Red_Arrows013_RBA_1.jpg
  • As the Coronavirus pandemic spreads across the UK, businesses and entertainment venues not already closed with the threat of job losses, struggle to stay open with growing rumours of a lockdown and travel restrictions around the capital. Londoners start to work from home leading to a quiet concourse at Blackfriars railway station where a schedule changes notice awaits travellers on the main councourse, on 19th March 2020, in London, England.
    coronavirus_transport-18-19-03-2020.jpg
  • Looking down from above, we see one lone queuing traveller at Charles de Gaulle, gazes up towards the large Departures board. Fellow-passengers wait by baggage trolleys in a civilised line beneath the information. Charles de Gaulle/Roissy is a hub airport for Air France north of the French capital. The departures information has schedule times, destinations, flight, satellite and gate numbers plus   remarks. Air travellers experience such misery every day and shows of how global air travel has become a routine, mundane and stressful for the everyday airline passenger - a far cry from when commercial flight was purely for the elite. Picture from the 'Plane Pictures' project, a celebration of aviation aesthetics and flying culture, 100 years after the Wright brothers first 12 seconds/120 feet powered flight at Kitty Hawk,1903.
    aviation_corbis29-27-07-2000_1.jpg
  • During a lull in activity, a Boeing 747 is swathed in engineering gantries during a major check (maintenance schedule) at the British Airways Heathrow base in London England. As if in a hospital ER several metres off the ground, yellow struts surround the aircraft's forward nose section and the first class windows along the white fuselage allowing mechanics, engineers and avionics specialists unimpeded access to every element of the air frame. Neon tubes illuminate the hangar that houses flying machines which are serviced here between transcontinental commercial passenger flights. Picture from the 'Plane Pictures' project, a celebration of aviation aesthetics and flying culture, 100 years after the Wright brothers first 12 seconds/120 feet powered flight at Kitty Hawk,1903.
    aviation_corbis20-17-11-2000_1.jpg
  • During a lull in activity, a Boeing 747 is swathed in engineering gantries during a major check (maintenance schedule) at the British Airways Heathrow base in London England. As if in a hospital ER several metres off the ground, yellow struts surround the aircraft's forward nose section and the first class windows along the white fuselage allowing mechanics, engineers and avionics specialists unimpeded access to every element of the air frame. Neon tubes illuminate the hangar that houses airliners, serviced here between transcontinental commercial passenger flights.
    747_hangar01-17-11-2000_1_1.jpg
  • The Washburn Expedition in 1870 named Old Faithful for its nearly regular schedule of eruptions. It is the grand old geyser of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, because of its frequent and predictable eruptions. The intervals between eruptions average between 45-90 minutes and the average duration is about four minutes. To predict the next eruption, its first continuous surge is timed until the final splash.
    2007_08_07_Lower Geyser Basin_Z.jpg
  • The Washburn Expedition in 1870 named Old Faithful for its nearly regular schedule of eruptions. It is the grand old geyser of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, because of its frequent and predictable eruptions. The intervals between eruptions average between 45-90 minutes and the average duration is about four minutes. To predict the next eruption, its first continuous surge is timed until the final splash.
    2007_08_07_Lower Geyser Basin_AA.jpg
  • As the Coronavirus pandemic spreads across the UK, businesses and entertainment venues not already closed with the threat of job losses, struggle to stay open with growing rumours of a lockdown and travel restrictions around the capital. Londoners start to work from home leading to a quiet concourse at Blackfriars railway station where a schedule changes notice awaits travellers on the main councourse, on 19th March 2020, in London, England.
    coronavirus_transport-17-19-03-2020.jpg
  • The flight-deck crew of a Sri Lankan Airlines A340-300 series Airbus - registration number 4R-ADE - perform a series of pre-flight checks before a scheduled departure, while on the apron at Malé international airport in the Republic of the Maldives. Featuring electronic instruments it is known as a 'glass cockpit' and using a printed checklist manual, they methodically work through dozens of complex systems that require accurate input before the aircraft is ready for take off. Flight navigation computers, fuel and engine settings and radio frequencies all need programming by the two pilots, the captain on the left and the First Officer on the right. These modern airliners have only two pilots in a modern flight-deck as technology superceeded the need for a third member, the flight-engineers of a previous era of aviation.
    maldives452-15-11-2007.jpg
  • In the darkness of a taxiway at the southern end of Heathrow Airport, the bright lights of an engineering hangar spill out into the night. A Boeing 747 Jumbo jet sits nose-in behind another during a scheduled set of maintenance tasks that every aircraft needs to keep to in order for its continued airworthiness. The unmistakable shape of this large aircraft is a half-silhouette against the intensity of the hangar and blue flare spots that arise from the internal glass in the camera's lens. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1564-19-08-2009_1.jpg
  • In the darkness of a taxiway at the southern end of Heathrow Airport, the bright lights of an engineering hangar spill out into the night. A Boeing 747 Jumbo jet sits nose-in behind another during a scheduled set of maintenance tasks that every aircraft needs to keep to in order for its continued airworthiness. The unmistakable shape of this large aircraft is a half-silhouette against the intensity of the hangar and blue flare spots that arise from the internal glass in the camera's lens. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009). .
    heathrow_airport1564-19-08-2009_1 1.jpg
  • The main nose wheel of a British Airways airliner is parked on a stand at Heathrow Airport. The identifying names of the Boeing type range such as 777s, 767, 747 and 757s are also stencilled on the apron concrete to allow exact distances for expandable air bridges and other airfield vehicles to connect and service these differing-sized commercial airliners. The pilot has devices inside and outside to gauge the exact spot to break to a standstill though these marks are largely unsighted to them, high up in the cockpit. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1090-11-08-2009_1 1.jpg
  • The main nose wheel of a British Airways airliner is parked on a stand at Heathrow Airport. The identifying names of the Boeing type range such as 777s, 767, 747 and 757s are also stencilled on the apron concrete to allow exact distances for expandable air bridges and other airfield vehicles to connect and service these differing-sized commercial airliners. The pilot has devices inside and outside to gauge the exact spot to break to a standstill though these marks are largely unsighted to them, high up in the cockpit. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009). ..
    heathrow_airport1090-11-08-2009_1.jpg
  • One a hot November night, a Sri Lankan Airlines A340-300 series Airbus - registration number 4R-ADE - is bathed in high-intensity floodlights on the apron at Malé international airport in the Republic of the Maldives. Surrounded by passenger steps, servicing vehicles for catering and the loading of baggage and air freight in the below-floor holds, the aircraft is readied for its next flight to Colombo, another journey for this aircraft as it travels across the world's air routes.
    maldives434-15-11-2007.jpg
  • On a grey day in the metropolis of Hong Kong, a giant airliner belonging to an Asian airline passes overhead, seemingly just over the roofs of apartment buildings and offices. The aircraft is nearly at the point of touching down on the runway which is just beyond this street in Kowloon district in the days when Hong Kong was still a British colony and before its handover to Chinese law. The dominating shape of the jet is flying into the former airport called Kai Tak whose runway jutted out into the city’s harbour before the airfield was closed and a new location was opened in an outlying island. We look up to see a wide expanse of overcast sky with the red vertical Cantonese characters of a local business and which echoes the red beacon on the plane’s belly that flashes during the last moments of flight before the actual landing.
    hongkong_jet-21-04-1995_1.jpg
  • Looking at International Arrivals of Heathrow airport's Terminal 5. Designed by architects Richard Rogers Partnership the controversial building opened with chaotic scenes on 27/3/08. British Airways passengers faced baggage disruption after a 6 year construction project that has seen the British public divided over the role of commercial aviation. At a cost of £4.3bn, the project was Britain's longest planning inquiry which lasted four years but finally employing a total of 60,000 workers. 30,000 square metres of glass in walls; 80,000 tonnes of steel were used - 17,000 in the roof alone; 5,000 doors, 800 toilets, 20,000 power sockets and 1,700 miles of cable; 60 new aircraft stands, including 14 for the Airbus A380; 13km of tunnels were bored for the state-of-the-art baggage handling to handle 12,000 bags per hour.
    heathrow_terminal_five-20-17-03-2008...jpg
  • Looking at practice baggage of Heathrow airport's Terminal 5. Designed by architects Richard Rogers Partnership the controversial building opened with chaotic scenes on 27/3/08. British Airways passengers faced baggage disruption after a 6 year construction project that has seen the British public divided over the role of commercial aviation. At a cost of £4.3bn, the project was Britain's longest planning inquiry which lasted four years but finally employing a total of 60,000 workers. 30,000 square metres of glass in walls; 80,000 tonnes of steel were used - 17,000 in the roof alone; 5,000 doors, 800 toilets, 20,000 power sockets and 1,700 miles of cable; 60 new aircraft stands, including 14 for the Airbus A380; 13km of tunnels were bored for the state-of-the-art baggage handling to handle 12,000 bags per hour.
    heathrow_terminal_five-07-17-03-2008...jpg
  • A departures information board at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 is viewed by passengers who stands motionless to read the details of flight departure times to echo that of a Vodafone advertisement containing a tourist on a beach, a generic scene of a person on holiday taking advantage of low mobile phone charges in mainland Europe.  A finger from an unseen traveller points to a flight time and to ladies stand gazing up at the check-in guide that helps tell which is the check-in zone of this 400 metre-long terminal that has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009). ..
    heathrow_airport1649-24-08-2009_1.jpg
  • Seen from ground level, we see one of the giant 'hand nodes' of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 roof structure. Developed by Arup to design the geometry of abutment steel supports, this engineering challenge needed to help support 50 ton tusk rafters to made T5 the largest free-standing building in the UK. A large H denotes the check-in zone for international passengers. The main architecture was created by the Richard Rogers Partnership (now Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners) and opened in 2008 after a cost of £4.3 billion. Terminal 5 has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1670-24-08-2009_1 1.jpg
  • A departures information board at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 is viewed by passengers who stands motionless to read the details of flight departure times to echo that of a Vodafone advertisement containing a tourist on a beach, a generic scene of a person on holiday taking advantage of low mobile phone charges in mainland Europe.  A finger from an unseen traveller points to a flight time and to ladies stand gazing up at the check-in guide that helps tell which is the check-in zone of this 400 metre-long terminal that has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1649-24-08-2009_1 1.jpg
  • The main nose wheel of a British Airways airliner is parked on a stand at Heathrow Airport. The identifying names of the Boeing type range such as 777s, 767, 747 and 757s are also stencilled on the apron concrete to allow exact distances for expandable air bridges and other airfield vehicles to connect and service these differing-sized commercial airliners. The pilot has devices inside and outside to gauge the exact spot to break to a standstill though these marks are largely unsighted to them, high up in the cockpit. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1570-20-08-2009_1.jpg
  • Seen from an aerial walkway, we look down on airline passengers awaiting the arrival of their baggage in the baggage reclaim hall in the arrivals of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. 50-70,000 pieces of British Airways baggage a day travel through 11 miles of conveyor belts which were installed in a 5-storey underground hall beneath the 400m (a quarter of a mile) length of Terminal 5. T5 alone has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year and was completed in 2008 at a cost of £4.3bn. The system was designed by an integrated team from the airport operator BAA, BA and Vanderlande Industries of the Netherlands, and handles both intra-terminal and inter-terminal luggage. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1527-19-08-2009_1 1.jpg
  • A family just arrived from Chennai (India) drags heavy suitcases from the carousel in the arrivals of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. 50-70,000 pieces of British Airways baggage a day travel through 11 miles of conveyor belts which were installed in a 5-storey underground hall beneath the 400m (a quarter of a mile) length of Terminal 5. T5 alone has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year and was completed in 2008 at a cost of £4.3bn. The system was designed by an integrated team from the airport operator BAA, BA and Vanderlande Industries of the Netherlands, and handles both intra-terminal and inter-terminal luggage. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1533-19-08-2009_1.jpg
  • Honeymooners cuddle in front of their Boeing 747-400 that will soon take them on a round-the-world adventure, leaving from Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5B. The couple are seen as silhouettes against the natural light of the large plate glass windows. As the aircraft is readied and before the flight's air travellers are called to the departure gate, the young man and woman put their heads imagining what new things they will see as their airliner is about to transport them to experience new cultures and possibly a new life. In the background, we see other jets that are parked in their respective jetties across the main movement area, the apron. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1521-19-08-2009_1.jpg
  • Honeymooners cuddle in front of other passengers before their round-the-world adventure, leaving from Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5B. The couple are seen embracing at the departure gate as the remaining air travellers filter through the last security checks and board their long-haul flight. The young lady has a look of contentment on her face, the look of happiness and comfort in the arms of her new husband and they hug with all the affection of young love and trust. Another passenger grins in their direction during this show of devotion. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009). .
    heathrow_airport1524-19-08-2009_1 1.jpg
  • Honeymooners cuddle in front of other passengers before their round-the-world adventure, leaving from Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5B. The couple are seen embracing at the departure gate as the remaining air travellers filter through the last security checks and board their long-haul flight. The young lady has a look of contentment on her face, the look of happiness and comfort in the arms of her new husband and they hug with all the affection of young love and trust. Another passenger grins in their direction during this show of devotion. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1524-19-08-2009_1.jpg
  • A No Sharp objects warning is plain to see as a British Airways check-in employee attaches a luggage tag to the suitcase of a Business Class passenger about to take a long-haul flight from London Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. The bag is about to disappear down the conveyor belt to join up to 70,000 other items during this average day at T5. With a bar code to identify both the bag and its owner's destination as well as the three letter IATA code, the bag enters 11 miles of underground conveyor belts beneath the 400m (a quarter of a mile) length of Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport. T5 alone has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year and was completed in 2008 at a cost of £4.3bn. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009). .
    heathrow_airport1414-18-08-2009_1 1.jpg
  • A slightly comical scene of modern air travel as two lady passengers haul matching suitcases at the British Airways self-check-in kiosk at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. The self-service kiosks that have been developed to allow customers to process their own ticketing on arrival at this aviation hub for British Airways. Once they've chosen their seat and printed a boarding pass, they can go straight to the Fast Bag Drop desk at the airport. There, baggage will be tagged by an agent and sent to the aircraft. At a cost of £4.3 billion, Terminal 5 has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1434-18-08-2009_1.jpg
  • A No Sharp objects warning is plain to see as a British Airways check-in employee attaches a luggage tag to the suitcase of a Business Class passenger about to take a long-haul flight from London Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. The bag is about to disappear down the conveyor belt to join up to 70,000 other items during this average day at T5. With a bar code to identify both the bag and its owner's destination as well as the three letter IATA code, the bag enters 11 miles of underground conveyor belts beneath the 400m (a quarter of a mile) length of Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport. T5 alone has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year and was completed in 2008 at a cost of £4.3bn. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1414-18-08-2009_1.jpg
  • A British Airways baggage handler scans the bar code of his airline passenger's item of luggage before loading it into the aircraft hold container bins. 50-70,000 pieces of BA baggage a day travel through 11 miles of conveyor belts which were installed in a 5-storey underground hall beneath the 400m (a quarter of a mile) length of Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport. T5 alone has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year and was completed in 2008 at a cost of £4.3bn. The system was designed by an integrated team from the airport operator BAA, BA and Vanderlande Industries of the Netherlands, and handles both intra-terminal and inter-terminal luggage. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1200-13-08-2009_1 1.jpg
  • 50-70,000 pieces of British Airways baggage a day travel through 11 miles of conveyor belts which were installed in a 5-storey underground hall beneath the 400m (a quarter of a mile) length of Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport. Here we see items of luggage spending 4 hours in transit, held in a fully-automated parking lot for bags. Computers decide when to fish the item out and re-introduce it into the system and load it on to the appropriate aircraft. T5 alone has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year and was completed in 2008 at a cost of £4.3bn. The system was designed by an integrated team from the airport operator BAA, BA and Vanderlande Industries of the Netherlands, and handles both intra-terminal and inter-terminal luggage. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1187-13-08-2009_1.jpg
  • 50-70,000 pieces of British Airways baggage a day travel through 11 miles of conveyor belts which were installed in a 5-storey underground hall beneath the 400m (a quarter of a mile) length of Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport. Here we see items of luggage spending 4 hours in transit, held in a fully-automated parking lot for bags. Computers decide when to fish the item out and re-introduce it into the system and load it on to the appropriate aircraft. T5 alone has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year and was completed in 2008 at a cost of £4.3bn. The system was designed by an integrated team from the airport operator BAA, BA and Vanderlande Industries of the Netherlands, and handles both intra-terminal and inter-terminal luggage. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1184-13-08-2009_1 1.jpg
  • 50-70,000 pieces of British Airways baggage a day travel through these 11 miles of conveyor belts which were installed in a 5-storey underground hall beneath the 400m (a quarter of a mile) length of Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport. T5 alone has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year and was completed in 2008 at a cost of £4.3bn. The system was designed by an integrated team from the airport operator BAA, BA and Vanderlande Industries of the Netherlands, and handles both intra-terminal and inter-terminal luggage. There are four colour codes: Yellow for out-of-gauge (oversized, like golf clubs); dark blue for not x-rayed; light blue for transfer and red, meaning the item has been subjected to 12 seconds of x-ray scanning. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1177-13-08-2009_1.jpg
  • 50-70,000 pieces of British Airways baggage a day travel through 11 miles of conveyor belts which were installed in a 5-storey underground hall beneath the 400m (a quarter of a mile) length of Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport. Here we see items of luggage spending 4 hours in transit, held in a fully-automated parking lot for bags. Computers decide when to fish the item out and re-introduce it into the system and load it on to the appropriate aircraft. T5 alone has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year and was completed in 2008 at a cost of £4.3bn. The system was designed by an integrated team from the airport operator BAA, BA and Vanderlande Industries of the Netherlands, and handles both intra-terminal and inter-terminal luggage. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1184-13-08-2009_1.jpg
  • We look down behind an airline passenger who is alone on seating in the departures concourse of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. Mourning the death of a mother, the lady sits with a floral tribute to the recently-deceased relative whose name 'Mum' is laid out next to her in pink flowers. On her lap is the organic Soil Association's magazine Living Earth. Perhaps the woman is on her way to a family funeral and is flying from T5 on this sad flight. Amid the otherwise bustling international airport, the woman seeks solace and tries to sleep before her check-in zone opens. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1122-12-08-2009_1.jpg
  • The giant nosewheel of a Boeing 747-400 airliner is parked on the apron area during its overnight turnround at Heathrow Airport. The engineering of this magnificent piece of aviation design is highlighted by the headlights of an airfield vehicle and the tyres sit firmly on the tarmac at an exact parking spot according to the aircraft's length in order for it to be met by air bridges and service trucks. The nose wheel is used for steering the jet when on the ground. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1092-11-08-2009_1.jpg
  • With faint traces of an evening metor shower in the sky, a wide exterior view of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 building in West London. Created by the Richard Rogers Partnership (now Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners). As the last light of the day fades and a departing aircraft's lights streak across the sky, the brightness of terminal lights shine through massive panes of window glass. At a cost of £4.3 billion, the 400m long T5 is the largest free-standing building in the UK with the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. The Terminal 5 public inquiry was the longest in UK history, lasting four years from 1995 to 1999. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009). ......
    heathrow_airport1083-11-08-2009_1.jpg
  • With faint traces of an evening metor shower in the sky, a wide exterior view of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 building in West London. Created by the Richard Rogers Partnership (now Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners). As the last light of the day fades and a departing aircraft's lights streak across the sky, the brightness of terminal lights shine through massive panes of window glass. At a cost of £4.3 billion, the 400m long T5 is the largest free-standing building in the UK with the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. The Terminal 5 public inquiry was the longest in UK history, lasting four years from 1995 to 1999. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1083-11-08-2009_1 1.jpg
  • An wide exterior view of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 building in West London. Created by the Richard Rogers Partnership (now Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners). As the last light of the day fades, the brightness of terminal lights shine through massive panes of window glass. At a cost of £4.3 billion, the 400m long T5 is the largest free-standing building in the UK with the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. The Terminal 5 public inquiry was the longest in UK history, lasting four years from 1995 to 1999. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1082-11-08-2009_1 1.jpg
  • An exterior view of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 building in West London. Created by the Richard Rogers Partnership (now Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners). A British Airways airliner is parked at its Arrival/Departure gate in front of the bright lights that shine through huge window panes of glass. At a cost of £4.3 billion, the 400m long T5 is the largest free-standing building in the UK with the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. The Terminal 5 public inquiry was the longest in UK history, lasting four years from 1995 to 1999. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1081-11-08-2009_1 1.jpg
  • A young African mother allows her sleeping baby some well-earned rest at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. In the departures concourse the mum and her child await their check-in zone to open in this international aviation hub in West London. The infant sleeps soundly, wrapped to its mother's back in the traditional manner for carrying children in the developing world. It is a simple scene of everyday care for one's child and airport operator spent £4.3 billion on Terminal 5 which has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1068-11-08-2009_1 1.jpg
  • A young African mother allows her sleeping baby some well-earned rest at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. In the departures concourse the mum and her child await their check-in zone to open in this international aviation hub in West London. The infant sleeps soundly, wrapped to its mother's back in the traditional manner for carrying children in the developing world. It is a simple scene of everyday care for one's child and airport operator spent £4.3 billion on Terminal 5 which has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1068-11-08-2009_1.jpg
  • An exterior view of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 building in West London. Created by the Richard Rogers Partnership (now Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners). A lit airfield navigation taxiway sign shows the route number and code for pilots to find their way around the confusing network of taxiways and there are 1 million square metres of new apron and taxiway pavement for T5. At a cost of £4.3 billion, the 400m long T5 is the largest free-standing building in the UK with the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. The Terminal 5 public inquiry was the longest in UK history, lasting four years from 1995 to 1999. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009). ...
    heathrow_airport1073-11-08-2009_1.jpg
  • A Virgin Atlantic Airbus A340 crosses the perimeter fence at Heathrow Airport on its way to an international destination. Seen from below, the passing Jumbo takes-off and climbs under full take-off power over the surrounding airfield security fence. Its razor-wire is an effective deterrent against protesters or terrorists and symbolises the lengths that airport authorities (in this case BAA) need go to to ensure their property is safe. The aircraft is seen almost entangled in the secure wire as if passing through the mesh. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1053-11-08-2009_1 1.jpg
  • In the British Airways Galleries First lounge at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5, two businessmen sit with identical laptops open, perched on their knees. The colleagues are en-route to Australia and are enjoying this exclusive facility (only available to passengers travelling in First and Gold Executive Club members) designed by Artwise. The lounge's 15,000 sq ft complex was built at the cost of £60 million. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport921-10-08-2009_1 1.jpg
  • An upright picture of a departures information board at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. A lady passenger stands motionless to read the details of flight departure times to echo that of a Vodafone advertisement containing a figure of a man standing erect on a beach, a generic scene of a person on holiday taking advantage of low mobile phone charges in mainland Europe.  Both the man and the woman are on opposite sides of the picture and we see a large letter C that denotes the check-in zone of this 400 metre-long terminal that has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport625-15-07-2009_1.jpg
  • Half-silhouetted figures add to the bustle of a hectic arrivals concourse at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. Seen against the orange advertisement for Mastercard which shows scenes of London that sightseers will want to visit. People wait for family to pick them up and tourists await the rest of their groups and tour guides with baggage trolleys laden with possessions. Terminal 5 has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport605-15-07-2009_1.jpg
  • Half-silhouetted figures add to the bustle of a hectic arrivals concourse at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. Seen against the orange advertisement for Mastercard which shows scenes of London that sightseers will want to visit. People wait for family to pick them up and tourists await the rest of their groups and tour guides with baggage trolleys laden with possessions. Terminal 5 has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport605-15-07-2009_1 1.jpg
  • Amid the hectic arrivals concourse of Heathrow airport's Terminal 5, two friends hold on to each other tight after an international arrival. Standing in front of a Mastercard ad which shows scenes of London, the coupe squeeze each other tight amid an otherwise hectic airport concourse in heathrow's Terminal 5. They have clearly missed each other after such a break apart but are otherwise oblivious to the crowds that surround them in this busy international airport. They embrace with genuine affection for each other in a display of sexual freedom that is otherwise seen as a taboo in other countries. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport592-15-07-2009_1.jpg
  • After their flight from Italy where they have been performing a series of summer concerts, some young musicians stop to await instructions from their accompanying teacher at Oakham School, England. Amid the hectic concourse of Heathrow airport's Terminal 5, a cellist has removed her precious string instrument to inspect it for damage after its shipment in the hold of a British Airways flight. As their friends look on, a fellow-player helps re-wrap the cello in a pink towel before the whole group re-assemble again to begin their evening journey home. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport530-14-07-2009_1.jpg
  • After their flight from Italy where they have been performing a series of summer concerts, some young musicians stop to await instructions from their accompanying teacher at Oakham School, England. Amid the hectic concourse of Heathrow airport's Terminal 5, a cellist has removed her precious string instrument to inspect it for damage after its shipment in the hold of a British Airways flight. As their friends look on, a fellow-player helps re-wrap the cello in a pink towel before the whole group re-assemble again to begin their evening journey home. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport530-14-07-2009_1 1.jpg
  • We look down on the zigzag of passenger jetties that transport air travellers from their aircraft, towards the arrivals concourse in Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. A series of walkways that are covered from above but which have window light to the side are connected to the fuselage of a British Airways 747-400 series airliner that is parked at its gate on the apron of this aviation hub. These jetties are owned by the airport operator, used by British Airways and sponsored by HSBC. Air travellers walk briskly after their long-haul flight either carrying light carry-on bags or towing small cases on wheels. At a cost of £4.3 billion, Terminal 5 has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport449-14-07-2009_1.jpg
  • We look down on the zigzag of passenger jetties that transport air travellers from their aircraft, towards the arrivals concourse in Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. A series of walkways that are covered from above but which have window light to the side are connected to the fuselage of a British Airways 747-400 series airliner that is parked at its gate on the apron of this aviation hub. These jetties are owned by the airport operator, used by British Airways and sponsored by HSBC. Air travellers walk briskly after their long-haul flight either carrying light carry-on bags or towing small cases on wheels. At a cost of £4.3 billion, Terminal 5 has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009). ..
    heathrow_airport449-14-07-2009_1 1.jpg
  • The silhouettes of departing passengers are seen against the strong natural light from the vast windows that face outwards of this aviation hub. Some travellers await their flights sitting down in comfortable seating - one with his hands behind his head - while others pace about Terminal 5 at London's Heathrow Airport. The scene is fairly monochrome without colour other than a grey background on this overcast day. Terminal 5 has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport240-13-07-2009_1 1.jpg
  • From a low angle, we see a greeting driver from Dover Heritage Taxis who awaits his passenger to arrive off a flight from Turkey. In the hectic international arrivals concourse of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5, the man holds up a name board to attract the attention of the man who is a member of a cruise ship's crew that is due to sail from the sea port of Dover. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport105-13-07-2009_1 1.jpg
  • From a low angle, we see a greeting driver from Dover Heritage Taxis who awaits his passenger to arrive off a flight from Turkey. In the hectic international arrivals concourse of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5, the man holds up a name board to attract the attention of the man who is a member of a cruise ship's crew that is due to sail from the sea port of Dover. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport105-13-07-2009_1.jpg
  • Mothers and sons hug emotionally in the international arrivals hall of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 airport. Three families have gathered to meet their respective sons who have been travelling around the world during their university gap year sabbatical trip of a lifetime. With balloons and banners amid the hectic concourse where other relatives greet their loved-ones after months away from home on their adventures. This is a tradition practised across the world's airports where families are separated by the need to travel or work in other countries and the emotion of meeting again after long absences is always hard. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport83-13-07-2009_1.jpg
  • A helium-filled Welcome Home balloon floats in the air and a home-made banner stretches across Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 arrivals hall. Three families have gathered to meet their respective sons who have been travelling around the world during their university gap year sabbatical trip of a lifetime. With balloon and banner amid the hectic concourse where other relatives greet their loved-ones after months away from home on their adventures. This is a tradition practised across the world's airports where families are separated by the need to travel or work in other countries and the emotion of meeting again after long absences is always hard. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport63-13-07-2009_1 1.jpg
  • A resting passenger sleeps on a specially-designed circular couch near airport gates during his layover transit period at Heathrow airport's Terminal 5. The man has jet lag after a long-haul flight across continents and now needs to re-adjust to British Summer time (BST). Vast sheets of window glass lets in natural daylight in this tranquil area where travellers can remain largely undisturbed from the otherwise hectic airport terminal created by the Richard Rogers Partnership (now Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners). From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport40-10-07-2009_1.jpg
  • Parked on the apron at Paris Orly Airport, a lone pilot of the French national airline Air France, leans out of his right-hand seat's cockpit window of his Boeing 777-328/ER aircraft (F-GSQT). It is a bright morning at this international hub for Air France and without help from ground staff, the silver-haired gentleman who may be the captain and commander of the aircraft (because of age and seat position) has decided to get on with the job of cleaning his window himself much like a driver wiping away flies from his car windscreen. Here however, this chore being performed approximately six meters off the ground so safety is vital - just as a clear front view for the flight-deck crew before their flight. Attached to the plane is the mobile walkway, the air bridge, that awaits boarding passengers but no 'ramp agent' is below.
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  • Sheryl is an Airport Ambassador Volunteer at Dallas Fort Worth, Texas and stands for a portrait at the foot of some escalators in the main terminal. She sports a straw hat saying 'Ask Me' in red and a name badge with her job title although she comes to the airport to assist strangers at her city's airport, hoping her good nature and charitable efforts will help uncertain travellers find their way. Also on her jacket is a the phrase 'Proud to be Drug Free .. Airport Narcotics Task Force.' 'Fort Worth is the sixth busiest airport in the world transporting 59,064,360 passengers in 2005. Picture from the 'Plane Pictures' project, a celebration of aviation aesthetics and flying culture, 100 years after the Wright brothers first 12 seconds/120 feet powered flight at Kitty Hawk,1903.
    aviation_corbis56-10-11-2000_1.jpg
  • In mid-flight over Greater London, we see a passenger’s view of a turning airliner's wing and the capital's dusk landscape below at a low altitude. As the starboard (right) wing dips, the Virgin Atlantic Airbus banks and a long exposure blurs the city lights below. A small curved portion of the passenger window, red engines and the Union Jack colours are seen. As aerodynamic design, the flying machine is a perfect gesture towards the conquest of flight, copied from the characteristics of a bird’s anatomy. As art, the mere beauty of taking to the air and maintaining level, organised speed is so routine, we rarely look our from our window to marvel at how and why. Picture from the 'Plane Pictures' project, a celebration of aviation aesthetics and flying culture, 100 years after the Wright brothers first 12 seconds/120 feet powered flight at Kitty Hawk,1903.
    aviation_corbis50-10-11-2000_1.jpg
  • We see a male passenger from the waste down with a laptop computer in one hand and a Retriever puppy peering out from his owner's bag in the other, both human and pet are about to board a domestic flight from Chicago O'Hare airport. According to the American Transport Security Administration, taking pets into the aircraft cabin is permissable but the animal is required to be presented to the Security Officers at the checkpoint. it may also walk with its owner through the metal detector but not through the x-ray scanner. Picture from the 'Plane Pictures' project, a celebration of aviation aesthetics and flying culture, 100 years after the Wright brothers first 12 seconds/120 feet powered flight at Kitty Hawk,1903.
    aviation_corbis51-10-11-2000_1.jpg
  • Waiting in line for a departing flight, an airline captain patiently queues with his flight baggage along with passengers. Rather than being on duty and flying the aircraft himself, he is travelling home as a passenger. On many commercial flights, off-duty air crew position as passengers. Airlines plan complicated logistics with cabin and cockpit crew members' duty rosters. This man's four stripes denotes his seniority as a captain who flies right-hand seat, in command of a airliner. In the US, pilots might also have National Guard careers flying jet fighters in times of conflict while off-duty in airline shifts. Picture from the 'Plane Pictures' project, a celebration of aviation aesthetics and flying culture, 100 years after the Wright brothers first 12 seconds/120 feet powered flight at Kitty Hawk,1903.
    aviation_corbis53-10-11-2000_1.jpg
  • An American Airlines male flight attendant stands with his crew baggage against a window at Dallas Fort Worth airport, Texas. Dressed in the corporate airline uniform he stands erect with a hand in his pocket, his ID badge clipped to his jacket and a pin conveying his command of the Japanese language. A mesh screen partially obscures drab concrete buildings outside which can be seen through the glass. Dallas Fort Worth is the sixth busiest airport in the world transporting 59,064,360 passengers in 2005. Picture from the 'Plane Pictures' project, a celebration of aviation aesthetics and flying culture, 100 years after the Wright brothers first 12 seconds/120 feet powered flight at Kitty Hawk,1903.
    aviation_corbis48-10-11-2000_1.jpg
  • A gentleman Sky Cap stands in front of the terminal building at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, California, USA. Wearing his red waste-coat, ID badge and cap he holds the handle of the baggage trolley with which he assists passengers to offload their belongings and guides them to the check-in counters inside. The man has a greying beard and sunglasses against the glare and is an eager helper to those struggling with heavy travel possessions. On the ground are stencilled the words 'Passenger Loading Only' referring to where departing travellers might seek help with baggage. There are armies of workers across the world keeping airlines and airports running 24/7. Picture from the 'Plane Pictures' project, a celebration of aviation aesthetics and flying culture, 100 years after the Wright brothers first 12 seconds/120 feet powered flight at Kitty Hawk,1903.
    aviation_corbis47-10-11-2000_1.jpg
  • In mid-flight between Hamburg in Germany and London Heathrow, we see a passenger’s view of a climbing airliner's port wing and the hazy German landscape below at a high altitude. The sky above reflects its soft blue hue on the upper surface of the left wing but the air below is a soft pink, a rural patchwork of fields and villages. As an example of aerodynamic design, the flying machine is a perfect gesture towards the conquest of flight, copied from the characteristics of a bird’s anatomy. As art, the mere beauty of taking to the air and maintaining level, organised speed is so routine, we rarely look our from our window to marvel at how and why. Picture from the 'Plane Pictures' project, a celebration of aviation aesthetics and flying culture, 100 years after the Wright brothers first 12 seconds/120 feet powered flight at Kitty Hawk,1903.
    aviation_corbis34-21-05-2002_1.jpg
  • A father supports his son on his shoulders as a giant four-engined airliner passes directly overhead, about to land at London's Heathrow airport, England. Seen from a low angle, we see the graphic cruciform shape of the aircraft as it screams past two powerful airfield landing lights that help guide arriving aircraft to the runway. The backlit scene is largely monochrome apart from the boys red t-shirt and yellow-faced watch which are lit by flash, underexposing the overcast sky. Prior to 9/11, British airport authorities and police tolerated plane spotters near runway fences but with heightened terrorist alerts, these enthusiasts are told to move on or face arrest. Picture from the 'Plane Pictures' project, a celebration of aviation aesthetics and flying culture, 100 years after the Wright brothers first 12 seconds/120 feet powered flight at Kitty Hawk,1903.
    aviation_corbis13-17-08-1997_1.jpg
  • An airport worker employed by SABTCO guides an arriving Airbus onto its stand at Bahrain International Airport. The man carefully encourages the slow-moving flying machine using his illuminated sticks alerting the pilot in control of this commercial airliner to an exact stopping place after its taxiing from the runway. It is another hot day in this Gulf State, a key hub airport in the region, providing a gateway to the Northern Gulf. The airport is the major hub for Gulf Air which provides 52% of overall movements. It is also the half-way point between Western Europe and Asian destinations such as Hong Kong and Beijing. Picture from the 'Plane Pictures' project, a celebration of aviation aesthetics and flying culture, 100 years after the Wright brothers first 12 seconds/120 feet powered flight at Kitty Hawk,1903.
    aviation_corbis07-21-04-2001_1.jpg
  • On a hot night at Bahrain International Airport, a Boeing airliner is about to be pushed backwards and start its engines. Two airport agents wearing traditional Arab dress stand patiently high up on the air bridge (that joins the aircraft fuselage during its turnaround time), several metres above ground level, ensuring no last-minute problems occur before departure. This Gulf State is, a key hub airport in the region, providing a gateway to the Northern Gulf. The airport is the major hub for Gulf Air which provides 52% of overall movements. It is also the half-way point between Western Europe and Asian destinations such as Hong Kong and Beijing. Picture from the 'Plane Pictures' project, a celebration of aviation aesthetics and flying culture, 100 years after the Wright brothers first 12 seconds/120 feet powered flight at Kitty Hawk,1903.
    aviation_corbis08-21-04-2001_1.jpg
  • The main nose wheel of an Airbus is parked on a stand at Bahrain International Airport. The names of other Airbuses and Boeing 737 types are also written on the concrete to allow exact distances for expandable air bridges and other airfield vehicles to connect and service these similarly-sized commercial airliners. A key hub airport in this region, providing a gateway to the Northern Gulf, Bahrain is the major hub for Gulf Air which provides 52% of overall movements. It is also the half-way point between Western Europe and Asian destinations such as Hong Kong and Beijing. Picture from the 'Plane Pictures' project, a celebration of aviation aesthetics and flying culture, 100 years after the Wright brothers first 12 seconds/120 feet powered flight at Kitty Hawk,1903.
    aviation_corbis05-21-04-2001_1.jpg
  • Below the flooring of economy class, a cargo handler manhandles a container of air freight into position in the hold of a Sri Lankan Airlines Airbus A340 that is about to depart from Male, the capital of the Republic of the Maldives  to Colombo. Inside the aluminium box is fresh tuna fish, freshly caught in the Indian Ocean and bound for the supermarkets of the EU and in particular, the UK whose insatiable appetite for fresh, perishable and sustainable foodstuffs make this fast and efficient form of transport important to speedy delivery. Every square inch is accounted for but as well as passengers' baggage, the cramped spaces beneath this modern airliner store loaded revenue-rich cargo though specially-pressurised and heated compartments accommodate live animals.
    maldives436-15-11-2007.jpg
  • Looking up to the Nokia information screen and 40m high roof of Heathrow airport's Terminal 5. Designed by architects Richard Rogers Partnership the controversial building opened with chaotic scenes on 27/3/08. British Airways passengers faced baggage disruption after a 6 year construction project that has seen the British public divided over the role of commercial aviation. At a cost of £4.3bn, the project was Britain's longest planning inquiry which lasted four years but finally employing a total of 60,000 workers. 30,000 square metres of glass in walls; 80,000 tonnes of steel were used - 17,000 in the roof alone; 5,000 doors, 800 toilets, 20,000 power sockets and 1,700 miles of cable; 60 new aircraft stands, including 14 for the Airbus A380; 13km of tunnels were bored for the state-of-the-art baggage handling to handle 12,000 bags per hour.
    heathrow_terminal_five-04-17-03-2008...jpg
  • Looking up to the Nokia information screen and 40m high roof of Heathrow airport's Terminal 5. Designed by architects Richard Rogers Partnership the controversial building opened with chaotic scenes on 27/3/08. British Airways passengers faced baggage disruption after a 6 year construction project that has seen the British public divided over the role of commercial aviation. At a cost of £4.3bn, the project was Britain's longest planning inquiry which lasted four years but finally employing a total of 60,000 workers. 30,000 square metres of glass in walls; 80,000 tonnes of steel were used - 17,000 in the roof alone; 5,000 doors, 800 toilets, 20,000 power sockets and 1,700 miles of cable; 60 new aircraft stands, including 14 for the Airbus A380; 13km of tunnels were bored for the state-of-the-art baggage handling to handle 12,000 bags per hour.
    heathrow_terminal_five-01-17-03-2008...jpg
  • Looking up to the Fast Bag Drop facility Heathrow airport's Terminal 5. Designed by architects Richard Rogers Partnership the controversial building opened with chaotic scenes on 27/3/08. British Airways passengers faced baggage disruption after a 6 year construction project that has seen the British public divided over the role of commercial aviation. At a cost of £4.3bn, the project was Britain's longest planning inquiry which lasted four years but finally employing a total of 60,000 workers. 30,000 square metres of glass in walls; 80,000 tonnes of steel were used - 17,000 in the roof alone; 5,000 doors, 800 toilets, 20,000 power sockets and 1,700 miles of cable; 60 new aircraft stands, including 14 for the Airbus A380; 13km of tunnels were bored for the state-of-the-art baggage handling to handle 12,000 bags per hour.
    heathrow_terminal_five-05-17-03-2008...jpg
  • Seen from ground level, we see one of the giant 'hand nodes' of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 roof structure. Developed by Arup to design the geometry of abutment steel supports, this engineering challenge needed to help support 50 ton tusk rafters to made T5 the largest free-standing building in the UK. A large H denotes the check-in zone for international passengers. The main architecture was created by the Richard Rogers Partnership (now Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners) and opened in 2008 after a cost of £4.3 billion. Terminal 5 has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1670-24-08-2009_1.jpg
  • Seen from an aerial walkway, we look down on airline passengers awaiting the arrival of their baggage in the baggage reclaim hall in the arrivals of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. 50-70,000 pieces of British Airways baggage a day travel through 11 miles of conveyor belts which were installed in a 5-storey underground hall beneath the 400m (a quarter of a mile) length of Terminal 5. T5 alone has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year and was completed in 2008 at a cost of £4.3bn. The system was designed by an integrated team from the airport operator BAA, BA and Vanderlande Industries of the Netherlands, and handles both intra-terminal and inter-terminal luggage. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1527-19-08-2009_1.jpg
  • Honeymooners cuddle in front of their Boeing 747-400 that will soon take them on a round-the-world adventure, leaving from Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5B. The couple are seen as silhouettes against the natural light of the large plate glass windows. As the aircraft is readied and before the flight's air travellers are called to the departure gate, the young man and woman put their heads imagining what new things they will see as their airliner is about to transport them to experience new cultures and possibly a new life. In the background, we see other jets that are parked in their respective jetties across the main movement area, the apron. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009). .
    heathrow_airport1521-19-08-2009_1 1.jpg
  • A slightly comical scene of modern air travel as two lady passengers haul matching suitcases at the British Airways self-check-in kiosk at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. The self-service kiosks that have been developed to allow customers to process their own ticketing on arrival at this aviation hub for British Airways. Once they've chosen their seat and printed a boarding pass, they can go straight to the Fast Bag Drop desk at the airport. There, baggage will be tagged by an agent and sent to the aircraft. At a cost of £4.3 billion, Terminal 5 has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009). ...
    heathrow_airport1434-18-08-2009_1 1.jpg
  • A close-up detail of a male passenger's hand that holds on to his family's travel documents before proceeding to his British Airways check-in zone at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. With a Silver company Executive 'One World' loyalty card, his ticket and British passport to hand, he waits in line after registering at a self-service kiosk where his seat has been designated. A BA employee then only needs to take his luggage. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009)
    heathrow_airport1395-18-08-2009_1.jpg
  • A British Airways baggage handler scans the bar code of his airline passenger's item of luggage before loading it into the aircraft hold container bins. 50-70,000 pieces of BA baggage a day travel through 11 miles of conveyor belts which were installed in a 5-storey underground hall beneath the 400m (a quarter of a mile) length of Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport. T5 alone has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year and was completed in 2008 at a cost of £4.3bn. The system was designed by an integrated team from the airport operator BAA, BA and Vanderlande Industries of the Netherlands, and handles both intra-terminal and inter-terminal luggage. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1200-13-08-2009_1.jpg
  • Airline passengers make their way along jetties from their newly-arrived aircraft, towards the arrivals concourse in Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. We see four lines of jetties that are owned by the airport operator, used by British Airways and sponsored by HSBC. Air travellers walk briskly after their long-haul flight either carrying light carry-on bags or towing small cases on wheels. At a cost of £4.3 billion, Terminal 5 has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009). ..
    heathrow_airport1201-13-08-2009_1.jpg
  • Airline passengers make their way along jetties from their newly-arrived aircraft, towards the arrivals concourse in Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. We see four lines of jetties that are owned by the airport operator, used by British Airways and sponsored by HSBC. Air travellers walk briskly after their long-haul flight either carrying light carry-on bags or towing small cases on wheels. At a cost of £4.3 billion, Terminal 5 has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1201-13-08-2009_1 1.jpg
  • 50-70,000 pieces of British Airways baggage a day travel through 11 miles of conveyor belts which were installed in a 5-storey underground hall beneath the 400m (a quarter of a mile) length of Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport. Here we see items of luggage spending 4 hours in transit, held in a fully-automated parking lot for bags. Computers decide when to fish the item out and re-introduce it into the system and load it on to the appropriate aircraft. T5 alone has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year and was completed in 2008 at a cost of £4.3bn. The system was designed by an integrated team from the airport operator BAA, BA and Vanderlande Industries of the Netherlands, and handles both intra-terminal and inter-terminal luggage. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1187-13-08-2009_1 1.jpg
  • We look down behind an airline passenger who is alone on seating in the departures concourse of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. Mourning the death of a mother, the lady sits with a floral tribute to the recently-deceased relative whose name 'Mum' is laid out next to her in pink flowers. On her lap is the organic Soil Association's magazine Living Earth. Perhaps the woman is on her way to a family funeral and is flying from T5 on this sad flight. Amid the otherwise bustling international airport, the woman seeks solace and tries to sleep before her check-in zone opens. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009). .
    heathrow_airport1122-12-08-2009_1 1.jpg
  • The giant nosewheel of a Boeing 747-400 airliner is parked on the apron area during its overnight turnround at Heathrow Airport. The engineering of this magnificent piece of aviation design is highlighted by the headlights of an airfield vehicle and the tyres sit firmly on the tarmac at an exact parking spot according to the aircraft's length in order for it to be met by air bridges and service trucks. The nose wheel is used for steering the jet when on the ground. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009). .
    heathrow_airport1092-11-08-2009_1 1.jpg
  • An wide exterior view of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 building in West London. Created by the Richard Rogers Partnership (now Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners). As the last light of the day fades, the brightness of terminal lights shine through massive panes of window glass. At a cost of £4.3 billion, the 400m long T5 is the largest free-standing building in the UK with the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. The Terminal 5 public inquiry was the longest in UK history, lasting four years from 1995 to 1999. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009). ...
    heathrow_airport1082-11-08-2009_1.jpg
  • An exterior view of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 building in West London. Created by the Richard Rogers Partnership (now Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners). A British Airways airliner is parked at its Arrival/Departure gate in front of the bright lights that shine through huge window panes of glass. At a cost of £4.3 billion, the 400m long T5 is the largest free-standing building in the UK with the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. The Terminal 5 public inquiry was the longest in UK history, lasting four years from 1995 to 1999. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009). ...
    heathrow_airport1081-11-08-2009_1.jpg
  • An exterior view of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 building in West London. Created by the Richard Rogers Partnership (now Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners). A lit airfield navigation taxiway sign shows the route number and code for pilots to find their way around the confusing network of taxiways and there are 1 million square metres of new apron and taxiway pavement for T5. At a cost of £4.3 billion, the 400m long T5 is the largest free-standing building in the UK with the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. The Terminal 5 public inquiry was the longest in UK history, lasting four years from 1995 to 1999. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1073-11-08-2009_1 1.jpg
  • Airline passengers recently arrived from India wait in line at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 transit concourse. The middle-aged travellers queue patiently after their long-haul flight and two believe that masks will protect themselves from airborne diseases and infections, not wishing to be exposed to Swine Flu or perhaps SARS, in a hectic public place where such bacteria can be transmitted from one human being to another. But a lady at the front of the queue has lowered her mask while the man at the back keeps his covering the mouth and nose. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1015-11-08-2009_1.jpg
  • Airline passengers recently arrived from India wait in line at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 transit concourse. The middle-aged travellers queue patiently after their long-haul flight and two believe that masks will protect themselves from airborne diseases and infections, not wishing to be exposed to Swine Flu or perhaps SARS, in a hectic public place where such bacteria can be transmitted from one human being to another. But a lady at the front of the queue has lowered her mask while the man at the back keeps his covering the mouth and nose. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1015-11-08-2009_1 1.jpg
  • A Virgin Atlantic Airbus A340 crosses the perimeter fence at Heathrow Airport on its way to an international destination. Seen from below, the passing Jumbo takes-off and climbs under full take-off power over the surrounding airfield security fence. Its razor-wire is an effective deterrent against protesters or terrorists and symbolises the lengths that airport authorities (in this case BAA) need go to to ensure their property is safe. The aircraft is seen almost entangled in the secure wire as if passing through the mesh. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport1053-11-08-2009_1.jpg
  • In the British Airways Galleries First lounge at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5, two businessmen sit with identical laptops open, perched on their knees. The colleagues are en-route to Australia and are enjoying this exclusive facility (only available to passengers travelling in First and Gold Executive Club members) designed by Artwise. The lounge's 15,000 sq ft complex was built at the cost of £60 million. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport921-10-08-2009_1.jpg
  • In the British Airways Galleries First lounge at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5, an unseen business passenger hides his face while reading the Business section of the Daily Telegraph. With his laptop perched across his knees the anonymous man sits by a window where natural light is a feature of this exclusive facility (only available to passengers travelling in First and Gold Executive Club members) designed by Artwise. The lounge's 15,000 sq ft complex was built at the cost of £60 million. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport913-10-08-2009_1.jpg
  • A scene of busy modern air travel as international passengers check-in at the British Airways Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. Under the gaze of a giant eye that seems to be peering from out of a massive TV screen, the self-service kiosks that have been developed to allow customers to process their own ticketing on arrival at this aviation hub for British Airways. Once they've chosen their seat and printed a boarding pass, they can go straight to the Fast Bag Drop desk at the airport. There, baggage will be tagged by an agent and sent to the aircraft. At a cost of £4.3 billion, Terminal 5 has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport626-15-07-2009_1.jpg
  • A scene of busy modern air travel as international passengers check-in at the British Airways Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. Under the gaze of a giant eye that seems to be peering from out of a massive TV screen, the self-service kiosks that have been developed to allow customers to process their own ticketing on arrival at this aviation hub for British Airways. Once they've chosen their seat and printed a boarding pass, they can go straight to the Fast Bag Drop desk at the airport. There, baggage will be tagged by an agent and sent to the aircraft. At a cost of £4.3 billion, Terminal 5 has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009). ...
    heathrow_airport626-15-07-2009_1 1.jpg
  • A young girl in transit between India and the US, entertains herself by throwing her pet toy tiger as far as the ceiling in a departure window of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. In front of a Boeing 777 jet airliner's nose and cockpit, the girl is a silhouette against the large windows that allow in the natural light. Behind the parked aircraft, another British Airways passenger jet taxies past, its tail at right-angles to the stationary airplane although they both look like the same plane. With her family baggage next to her, the child is enjoying some hours of freedom before another long-haul flight westwards. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport443-14-07-2009_1.jpg
  • Seen from an aerial walkway, we look down on a lady airline passenger being helped to pull her heavy suitacse from the carousel in the baggage reclaim hall in the arrivals of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. 50-70,000 pieces of British Airways baggage a day travel through 11 miles of conveyor belts which were installed in a 5-storey underground hall beneath the 400m (a quarter of a mile) length of Terminal 5. T5 alone has the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers a year and was completed in 2008 at a cost of £4.3bn. The system was designed by an integrated team from the airport operator BAA, BA and Vanderlande Industries of the Netherlands, and handles both intra-terminal and inter-terminal luggage. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport459-14-07-2009_1.jpg
  • A young girl in transit between India and the US, entertains herself by throwing her pet toy tiger as far as the ceiling in a departure window of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. In front of a Boeing 777 jet airliner's nose and cockpit, the girl is a silhouette against the large windows that allow in the natural light. Behind the parked aircraft, another British Airways passenger jet taxies past, its tail at right-angles to the stationary airplane although they both look like the same plane. With her family baggage next to her, the child is enjoying some hours of freedom before another long-haul flight westwards. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport443-14-07-2009_1 1.jpg
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