United Airlines today became the first airline to operate a flight at London Heathrow Airport's new Terminal 2: The Queen's Terminal.

Flight UA958 from Chicago O'Hare, a Boeing 767-300 with 178 customers and a crew of 11 on board, arrived at gate B38 at 5:49 a.m. local time, six minutes ahead of schedule.

It was the first of United's 17 scheduled flight arrivals at Terminal 2 today.

The airline is also scheduled to operate 17 flight departures from the terminal today, bringing all its operations at London Heathrow -- previously split between Terminals 1 and 4 -- under one roof for the first time since the United-Continental merger in 2010.

Customers arriving on the first flight were greeted by United's Hershel Kamen, senior vice president alliances, regulatory and policy, and Bob Schumacher, managing director sales UK and Ireland, and John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow chief executive designate.

Also on hand was Mark Schwab, chief executive of Star Alliance.

Terminal 2 will ultimately be the home of all Star Alliance airlines operating at Heathrow.

"We're extremely proud to be the first airline to operate from the new Terminal 2 and to consolidate our Heathrow operations in the airport's most advanced terminal," said United's Bob Schumacher.

"Heathrow is one of the most important airports in United's global network, and Terminal 2 represents a huge improvement in the service and facilities we are able to provide to all our customers, whether they're departing, arriving or connecting."

At Terminal 2, United customers benefit from easier, faster routes through check-in and security on departure and through border control on arrival.

They have a choice of check-in methods: quick and easy self-service kiosks, fast bag-drop desks and full-service check-in desks.

Customers can also enjoy a wide variety of shopping, dining and seating options in a light, airy, spacious building.

Related News:

     Heathrow Terminal 2 Opens