OREANDA-NEWS. A new report reveals the impact of Heathrow's brand new Terminal 2 on local economies throughout the UK, where it has benefited more than 140 businesses and helped to support tens of thousands of jobs.

Set to open in June, the development is one of the largest privately funded construction projects in the UK. Businesses involved in the development will have their work showcased on a global stage with more than 20 million passengers from around the world passing through every year.

In the coming weeks, the development will move into a new phase as Heathrow, its airlines and other operators begin to get the terminal ready for passengers. This will include six months of intensive preparations, with more than 180 trials and tests involving more than 14,000 people. The terminal will open on 4th June 2014, with the first aircraft, a United Airlines flight from Chicago, scheduled to land at 05.55.

Speaking about the impact of Terminal 2 throughout the UK, Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP said: “The building of Heathrow's Terminal 2 has delivered real benefits, not just to the South East but to many regions throughout the country as it has sourced the necessary skills, expertise, raw materials and services it needs.

“I am proud that we are known for having a high quality, highly skilled and hard-working supply chain. This report clearly demonstrates that infrastructure, engineering and construction companies across the country are sharing the benefits from projects such as T2 and helping to build a stronger UK economy.”

John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow Development Director, concluded: “Investment in Heathrow is making a significant contribution to Britain's economic recovery, creating jobs across the UK, allowing our suppliers to invest in training and innovation, and giving them a fantastic showcase for their work. It demonstrates how expansion at Heathrow will not only create jobs when it has been built, by connecting British exporters directly with emerging growth markets, but also create jobs across the UK while it is being built.”