OREANDA-NEWS. Heathrow's passengers have recognised the airport once again for the quality of its shops, restaurants and terminals. Heathrow has been named the 'Best Airport for Shopping' for a fifth time at this year's World Airport Awards and Terminal 5 been named the world's 'Best Airport Terminal' for a third year in a row.

The awards, held today (Wednesday 26 March) at the Passenger Terminal EXPO in Barcelona, Spain, reflect the findings of an independent Airport Service Quality survey carried out recently at Heathrow. The survey shows that the proportion of passengers rating their journey as 'very good' or 'excellent' has increased from 48% in 2007 to 75% today.

The Skytrax World Airport Survey is widely regarded as the quality benchmark for the world airport industry, assessing customer service and facilities across 388 airports. The World Airport Awards are independent of any airport control or input and are therefore an impartial benchmark of airport excellence and quality.

Heathrow has made a number of key improvements to the airport including the introduction of a dedicated a team who speak 38 languages who are ready to help passengers with their journey. The airport also offers free attended play areas, over 100 free beauty treatments, on-board picnic options at all restaurants and fantastic connections to London.

Since 2003 Heathrow has invested GBP 11 billion across all of its terminals. When Terminal 2 opens in June this year, Heathrow will be the first airport in the world to have its own personal shopping lounge, two restaurants created by Michelin starred chefs including The Perfectionists' Cafe by Heston Blumenthal and a John Lewis shop.

Fidel Lopez, Heathrow's Commercial Director said:

'We're delighted to be recognised so consistently for our range of shops and restaurants and for Terminal 5. Terminal 5 has set a fantastic benchmark for us at Heathrow and we are looking forward the opening of Terminal 2 in June. I am confident our passengers will enjoy the Terminal 2 experience just as much those who travel through Terminal 5 today.'