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West London Air Terminal Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The West London Air Terminal: History and Operations

Cheat Sheet:
The West London Air Terminal: History and Operations Study Guide

Historical Context and Rationale

The development of the West London Air Terminal was prompted by Heathrow Airport's ascendancy over Croydon Airport as London's principal aviation hub.

Answer: True

Explanation: The shift in London's primary airport from Croydon to Heathrow necessitated the establishment of a new, more conveniently located air terminal.

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The West London Air Terminal was intended to replace, not complement, the services of the Waterloo Air Terminal.

Answer: True

Explanation: The terminal was established to supersede the functions previously performed by the Waterloo Air Terminal.

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The navigation box mentions Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 as other former terminals related to Heathrow's history, not necessarily the West London Air Terminal itself.

Answer: False

Explanation: The navigation box lists other Heathrow-related terminals, but the question implies a direct relationship that is not explicitly stated in the source material regarding T1 and T3 in that context.

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What historical event led to the need for a new London air terminal like the West London Air Terminal?

Answer: Heathrow Airport replacing Croydon Airport as London's primary airport

Explanation: The transition of Heathrow Airport to become London's main aviation hub, supplanting Croydon Airport, necessitated the establishment of new terminal facilities.

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The West London Air Terminal was built to replace the functions of which other former terminal?

Answer: Waterloo Air Terminal

Explanation: The terminal was established to supersede the functions previously performed by the Waterloo Air Terminal.

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Development and Construction

The committee that deliberated on the terminal's construction did not include representatives from the Ministry of Defence.

Answer: True

Explanation: The committee comprised representatives from airlines, British Railways, and the London Transport Executive, but not the Ministry of Defence.

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The Costain Group was responsible for constructing the temporary building, not the permanent one, of the West London Air Terminal.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Costain Group erected the initial temporary structure, while Holland, Hannen & Cubitts constructed the permanent building.

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The temporary terminal building was constructed in approximately four-and-a-half months, not under three.

Answer: False

Explanation: The rapid construction of the temporary terminal was completed within four-and-a-half months.

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The permanent building of the West London Air Terminal officially opened on November 6, 1963.

Answer: True

Explanation: The inauguration of the permanent structure took place on November 6, 1963.

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The permanent terminal was inaugurated by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, not Queen Elizabeth II.

Answer: False

Explanation: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, performed the official inauguration ceremony for the permanent building.

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The construction cost of the permanent West London Air Terminal building was approximately £5 million, not £500,000.

Answer: False

Explanation: The final cost for the permanent building amounted to approximately £5 million.

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Foster + Partners did not design the permanent West London Air Terminal building; Sir John Burnet, Tait and Partners did.

Answer: False

Explanation: The architectural firm responsible for designing the permanent structure was Sir John Burnet, Tait and Partners.

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The Costain Group constructed the temporary building, while Holland, Hannen & Cubitts constructed the permanent building of the West London Air Terminal.

Answer: False

Explanation: Costain Group built the temporary structure, and Holland, Hannen & Cubitts were responsible for the permanent building.

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The permanent building of the West London Air Terminal was designed by Sir John Burnet, Tait and Partners.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sir John Burnet, Tait and Partners were the architects responsible for the design of the permanent terminal structure.

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The permanent West London Air Terminal building cost approximately £5 million, not £500,000.

Answer: True

Explanation: The construction of the permanent building incurred a cost of approximately £5 million.

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Which entities were part of the committee that decided on the construction of the West London Air Terminal?

Answer: Airlines, British Railways, and London Transport Executive

Explanation: The decision-making committee for the terminal's construction included representatives from airlines, British Railways, and the London Transport Executive.

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Who was responsible for constructing the initial temporary building at the West London Air Terminal?

Answer: The Costain Group

Explanation: The Costain Group was contracted for the construction of the initial temporary terminal building.

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Approximately how long did it take to construct the temporary West London Air Terminal building?

Answer: Four-and-a-half months

Explanation: The temporary terminal building was erected with remarkable speed, completed within four-and-a-half months.

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When did the permanent building of the West London Air Terminal officially open?

Answer: November 6, 1963

Explanation: The permanent structure of the West London Air Terminal was officially opened on November 6, 1963.

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Who performed the official inauguration of the permanent West London Air Terminal building?

Answer: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Explanation: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, conducted the official inauguration ceremony for the permanent terminal building.

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What was the approximate cost of constructing the permanent West London Air Terminal building?

Answer: £5 million

Explanation: The construction of the permanent building incurred a significant cost, approximating £5 million.

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Which architectural firm was responsible for designing the permanent West London Air Terminal building?

Answer: Sir John Burnet, Tait and Partners

Explanation: The architectural design of the permanent structure was undertaken by Sir John Burnet, Tait and Partners.

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Who constructed the permanent building of the West London Air Terminal?

Answer: Holland, Hannen & Cubitts

Explanation: Holland, Hannen & Cubitts were responsible for the construction of the permanent building of the West London Air Terminal.

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The permanent structure of the West London Air Terminal was designed by which firm?

Answer: Sir John Burnet, Tait and Partners

Explanation: The architectural design of the permanent structure was undertaken by Sir John Burnet, Tait and Partners.

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What was the approximate financial cost of the permanent West London Air Terminal building?

Answer: £5 million

Explanation: The construction of the permanent building incurred a significant cost, approximating £5 million.

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Operational Functionality

The West London Air Terminal primarily served passengers of British European Airways (BEA).

Answer: True

Explanation: The terminal was predominantly utilized by British European Airways (BEA) for passenger check-in services prior to their transfer to Heathrow Airport.

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The primary function of the West London Air Terminal was not to facilitate direct flight departures to European destinations.

Answer: True

Explanation: Its purpose was to serve as a check-in facility for passengers traveling via Heathrow, not as a departure point for direct flights.

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Passengers checked in at the West London Air Terminal and were subsequently transported to Heathrow Airport via coach, not train.

Answer: True

Explanation: The established procedure involved passengers checking in at the terminal and then boarding a coach for transfer to Heathrow Airport.

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A significant drawback of the West London Air Terminal was the potential for delays due to road traffic congestion affecting coach transfers, rather than air traffic control issues.

Answer: True

Explanation: The primary operational disadvantage cited was the risk of delays caused by road traffic impacting the coach journey to Heathrow.

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The upper floors of the permanent building were indeed utilized by British European Airways for administrative and accounting purposes.

Answer: True

Explanation: BEA occupied the upper floors for administrative functions, including their reservations unit and accounting departments.

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BEA introduced its computerised check-in system at the terminal in 1969, not 1965.

Answer: False

Explanation: While BEA implemented technological systems, the computerised check-in system was introduced in November 1969. The automatic seat reservation system was introduced in 1965.

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British European Airways (BEA) was the primary airline utilizing the West London Air Terminal, not its sole user.

Answer: False

Explanation: While BEA was the principal airline, the phrasing 'sole airline' makes this statement false, as other airlines might have used it to a lesser extent or it was primarily associated with BEA's operations.

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The West London Air Terminal was classified as an airport terminal, not a railway station.

Answer: False

Explanation: Its classification was that of an airport terminal, designed to facilitate air travel check-in procedures.

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BEA implemented its computerised check-in system at the terminal in November 1969.

Answer: True

Explanation: The introduction of BEA's computerised check-in system occurred in November 1969.

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The AEC Routemasters mentioned were not used for transporting passengers between the West London Air Terminal and Heathrow.

Answer: True

Explanation: The AEC Routemasters mentioned in the context of Heathrow Terminal 2 were related to luggage transport, not passenger transfer from the West London Air Terminal.

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The West London Air Terminal's function was indeed to allow passengers to check baggage and receive boarding passes before heading to Heathrow.

Answer: True

Explanation: This was the terminal's primary purpose: streamlining the check-in process before passengers proceeded to the airport.

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Road traffic congestion was considered a potential issue for coaches traveling from the West London Air Terminal to Heathrow.

Answer: True

Explanation: The potential for delays due to road traffic was a recognized disadvantage of the terminal's operational model.

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Which airline was the primary user of the West London Air Terminal?

Answer: British European Airways (BEA)

Explanation: British European Airways (BEA) was the principal airline that utilized the West London Air Terminal for its passenger check-in services.

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What was the primary function of the West London Air Terminal?

Answer: To act as a check-in facility for passengers before transport to Heathrow.

Explanation: Its principal role was to serve as a check-in point for passengers before their onward journey to Heathrow Airport.

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How were passengers transported from the West London Air Terminal to Heathrow Airport?

Answer: Via dedicated bus or coach service

Explanation: Passengers were transferred from the terminal to Heathrow Airport utilizing dedicated bus or coach services.

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Which of the following was identified as a significant disadvantage of using the West London Air Terminal?

Answer: Potential delays due to road traffic

Explanation: The potential for delays stemming from road traffic congestion was a notable drawback associated with the terminal's operational model.

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What was the primary use of the upper floors in the permanent West London Air Terminal building?

Answer: Offices for British European Airways staff and operations

Explanation: The upper floors were allocated for administrative purposes, housing staff, reservations, and accounting departments of British European Airways (BEA).

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Which technological advancement was introduced at the terminal in 1965 by BEA?

Answer: Automatic seat reservation system

Explanation: In 1965, BEA introduced its automatic seat reservation system at the terminal. The computerised check-in system followed in 1969.

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The image caption mentions AEC Routemasters towing luggage trailers outside which Heathrow terminal in August 1972?

Answer: Heathrow Terminal 2

Explanation: The image caption refers to AEC Routemasters towing luggage trailers outside Heathrow Terminal 2 in August 1972.

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Which of the following accurately describes the function of the West London Air Terminal?

Answer: A facility for passengers to check baggage and get boarding passes before going to Heathrow.

Explanation: Its principal role was to serve as a check-in point for passengers before their onward journey to Heathrow Airport.

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What potential problem was associated with using coaches for passenger transport from the West London Air Terminal?

Answer: Delays caused by road traffic congestion

Explanation: The potential for delays stemming from road traffic congestion was a notable drawback associated with the terminal's operational model.

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Which technological system was implemented at the terminal in November 1969?

Answer: Computerised check-in system

Explanation: In November 1969, British European Airways implemented its computerised check-in system at the terminal.

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Timeline, Closure, and Incidents

The West London Air Terminal commenced operations in October 1957 and concluded its services in January 1974.

Answer: True

Explanation: The terminal's operational period spanned from October 6, 1957, to January 1, 1974.

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British European Airways announced the closure of the check-in facilities in May 1972.

Answer: True

Explanation: The announcement regarding the cessation of check-in services was made by BEA on May 11, 1972.

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The check-in facilities at the West London Air Terminal officially ceased operations on January 1, 1974.

Answer: True

Explanation: The final date for the terminal's check-in operations was January 1, 1974.

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A fire occurred at the terminal in December 1963, affecting the fifth, sixth, and seventh floors, not the ground and first floors.

Answer: False

Explanation: The fire incident in December 1963 impacted the upper floors (fifth, sixth, and seventh) of the terminal building.

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A bomb exploded within the terminal in 1973, causing injuries to eight people.

Answer: True

Explanation: On September 28, 1973, a bomb detonated within the terminal, resulting in eight injuries.

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The fire in December 1963 affected the fifth, sixth, and seventh floors of the terminal.

Answer: True

Explanation: The fire incident on December 7, 1963, specifically impacted the fifth, sixth, and seventh floors of the terminal building.

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As of January 1, 1974, the West London Air Terminal had ceased functioning as an airport check-in facility.

Answer: True

Explanation: January 1, 1974, marked the official closure date for the terminal's check-in services.

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What was the operational period for the West London Air Terminal's check-in facilities?

Answer: 1957 - 1974

Explanation: The terminal operated as a check-in facility from October 6, 1957, until January 1, 1974.

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When did British European Airways announce the closure of the check-in facilities at the West London Air Terminal?

Answer: May 11, 1972

Explanation: The announcement regarding the cessation of check-in services was made by BEA on May 11, 1972.

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On what date did the check-in facilities at the West London Air Terminal officially cease operations?

Answer: January 1, 1974

Explanation: The final date for the terminal's check-in operations was January 1, 1974.

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What was the date of the fire incident at the West London Air Terminal?

Answer: December 7, 1963

Explanation: A significant fire occurred at the terminal on December 7, 1963.

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Which floors of the terminal building were affected by the fire in December 1963?

Answer: Fifth, sixth, and seventh floors

Explanation: The fire incident on December 7, 1963, specifically impacted the fifth, sixth, and seventh floors of the terminal building.

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What was the date of the bomb explosion incident at the terminal?

Answer: September 28, 1973

Explanation: A bomb exploded within the terminal on September 28, 1973.

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What was the status of the West London Air Terminal as an airport check-in facility on January 1, 1974?

Answer: It had officially closed.

Explanation: January 1, 1974, marked the official closure date for the terminal's check-in services.

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Architectural Design and Site

The West London Air Terminal was located on Cromwell Road in London.

Answer: True

Explanation: The terminal was situated on Cromwell Road in the Kensington area of London, not on Oxford Street as sometimes misstated.

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The Cromwell Curve, a disused railway line, was identified as the optimal location for the terminal.

Answer: True

Explanation: A 1954 committee report designated the Cromwell Curve, a section of disused railway line, as the most suitable site due to its accessibility.

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The map image associated with the terminal provides geographical context but does not explicitly show its location relative to Heathrow Airport.

Answer: False

Explanation: The map image, derived from OpenStreetMap, offers general geographical context of the terminal's location but does not detail its specific proximity to Heathrow Airport.

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The Cromwell Curve was a disused railway line, not a major road, utilized for passenger access planning to the terminal.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Cromwell Curve was a railway line, identified as a key site due to its potential for convenient road access to Heathrow.

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On which road was the West London Air Terminal located?

Answer: Cromwell Road

Explanation: The terminal was situated on Cromwell Road in the Kensington area of London.

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What specific site was identified as the optimal location for the West London Air Terminal?

Answer: The Cromwell Curve, a disused railway line

Explanation: The Cromwell Curve, a disused railway line, was identified as the most suitable location for the terminal.

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Post-Operational Use and Legacy

Bus services connecting the terminal to Heathrow continued operating for approximately six years after the check-in facilities closed, not over five.

Answer: False

Explanation: The bus services persisted until March 1979, which is approximately six years after the January 1974 closure.

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Following its closure, the West London Air Terminal building was repurposed, not demolished for a new park.

Answer: False

Explanation: The building was repurposed rather than demolished, eventually housing commercial and residential units.

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The bus services connecting the terminal to Heathrow ceased operations in March 1979, not March 1974.

Answer: False

Explanation: The bus services continued until March 1979, several years after the check-in facilities closed in January 1974.

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Today, the former West London Air Terminal building houses a supermarket and apartments.

Answer: True

Explanation: Post-closure, the building was repurposed, with a supermarket occupying part of it and the remainder converted into residential apartments.

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The bus services connecting the terminal to Heathrow ceased operations in March 1979.

Answer: True

Explanation: The bus services continued until March 1979, several years after the terminal's check-in facilities closed.

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Following its purchase in 1997, the building was converted into apartments, not general offices.

Answer: False

Explanation: The building was repurposed into Point West apartments after its acquisition in 1997.

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For how many years did the bus services connecting the terminal to Heathrow continue after the check-in facilities closed?

Answer: Approximately 6 years

Explanation: The bus services continued until March 1979, approximately six years after the check-in facilities ceased operations in January 1974.

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What business opened in the western part of the West London Air Terminal building in 1983?

Answer: A Sainsbury's superstore

Explanation: In 1983, a Sainsbury's superstore commenced operations in the western section of the former terminal building.

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How was the West London Air Terminal building repurposed after its purchase in 1997?

Answer: Converted into Point West apartments

Explanation: Following its acquisition in 1997, the building was converted into residential units known as Point West apartments.

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When did the bus services connecting the terminal to Heathrow cease their operations?

Answer: March 1979

Explanation: The bus services connecting the terminal to Heathrow continued until March 1979.

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What is the current primary use of the space formerly occupied by the West London Air Terminal building?

Answer: A supermarket and residential apartments

Explanation: The former terminal building now houses a supermarket and residential apartments (Point West).

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