Qatar Airways announced that it is moving operations at London Heathrow to the airport’s Terminal 4 (T4) from today (December 8).

The Doha-based carrier’s switch from Terminal 3 follows the completion of a multi-million pound upgrade that sees T4 now offer passengers improved amenities, enhanced baggage facilities as well as a wider selection of restaurants and retail stores.

All Qatar Airways departures and arrivals at London Heathrow will be through T4 and the airline’s passengers will benefit from a dedicated spacious check-in area in the terminal’s Zone A, a statement said.

Qatar Airways First and Business Class passengers and Gold and Silver Privilege Club card holders will be able to access the terminal’s Skyteam lounge.

Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker said that the airline’s new services at T4 will be further enhanced as the airline plans to install a dedicated lounge for its Premium customers. The new lounge will be the first of its kind for Qatar Airways outside its operational hub in Doha and is due to open in the second half of 2011.

“Qatar Airways’ move to Terminal 4 at London Heathrow allows the airline to further enhance our 5-Star services for our passengers,” said Al Baker.

Qatar Airways recently introduced its flagship Boeing 777 aircraft for the first time on one of its European routes, operating daily between London Heathrow and its Doha hub.

The carrier currently operates six flights a day between the UK and Qatar – four-a-day from London Heathrow; and daily from both London Gatwick and Manchester.-TradeArabia News Service