Construction workers today began demolishing Gatwick airport's South Terminal Pier 1 as part of a £183.9 million redevelopment project.
The pier, which is more than 50 years old, is being replaced by a two-storey facility, set to open in summer 2015.
The new terminal building will include a baggage system allowing passengers to use automated fast-bag drops, and gate rooms for passengers, linked to five new aircraft stands by air bridges.
Airlines will also have the option to offer "day before" check-in, through a new automated bag store system.
Ahead of the opening of the new building, the South Terminal will benefit from a new checked luggage system which will allow bags to be checked in at any of the nine check-in zones and sent to any area of the baggage system.
Stewart Wingate, chief executive at London Gatwick, said: "Pier 1 has been in service since 1962, so the commencement of demolition works is a significant milestone in Gatwick's ongoing transformation.
"The new pier and baggage project will provide passengers with a new and much-improved experience from check-in, right through to the panoramic views down the runway that can be enjoyed while waiting for a flight."
The redevelopment follows a series of upgrades at Gatwick, including the extension of the airport's North Terminal (see online news, November 2011), and a revamped security area at the South Terminal (see online news, October 2011).
For more information visit gatwickairport.com.
Report by Graham Smith