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Aug 1, 2009 | 10:00 am

#24

JAXBA

Join Date: Mar 2009

Location: JAX

Programs: Ex-BA/AA/CP/LY staff, BA Blue, IHG Diamond, Marriott Silver, Chick-fil-A Red

Posts: 3,755

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunrisegirl

Well the building work is far behind schedule. Terminal A was originally scheduled to close for about 3 years, which would mean it would reopen sometime in 2010, but I haven't heard anything more and knowing MIA would be surprised to see it open before 2011.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Globaliser

I'd hope that, as Concourse A has been completely closed for everyone who used to use it, BA could simply re-open the existing lounge.

I did a little research on this a month or so ago and came across these reports on the MIA website. The first is a timeline of the planned completion of each phase and the second is a map of the completed terminal showing the new gates and planned completion dates. Not the most interesting reading perhaps - but it does give an idea of when BA will escape Concourse F.

Timeline: http://www.miami-airport.com/pdfdoc/...antt_Chart.pdf
Map: http://www.miami-airport.com/pdfdoc/NTD_Fact_Sheet.pdf

Note that on the map, all the gates are D numbered - no more A, B, C. The whole project is being referred to as the North Terminal and so (and here I'm guessing) the name 'Concourse D' (nevermind A, B, C) will probably disappear too.

Also note that where the BA lounge was in the old Concourse A, gates D10, D12 look like they will be for shorthaul/regional aircraft. Maybe it's just an artist's impression, or maybe gate D14 is going to be the nearest widebody stand.

Having said that, the whole concourse is going to share FIS facilities (Federal Inspection Station - Immigration/Customs) which will be located in the CD infill. I think (again, only a guess) that BA is more likely to relocate closer to that, than stay in old-A. Both the timeline and map don't have the FIS facilities opening until Mar 2011 - and BA can't move in until they are ready.

So, will BA keep the space it had in old-A and refurbish it Galleries style or start again afresh in a more central location? Or will the AA-BA-IB JV have started by then, resulting in a joint lounge? Who knows? Sadly, we still have at least 20 months left in Concourse F.

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