As Heathrow is a commercially operated airport which makes a substantial profit every year, I guess the calculations HAVE been done and you are seeing the results in terms of the spend. It may be that some or all of the costs of 380 preparation will be recovered thro increased landing/ parking charges for the 380. T5 is opening very shortly and that will have A380 stands and loading facilities.

The A380 IS the future for long haul dense route flying , which is why BA has bought them and Qantas has increased their order. Passenger reviews I have heard are excellent and the first 380 has been operating into SYD with extreme punctuality, quite outstanding for a new and complex type. Probably just a matter of time befor the ER version will be flying SYD-LHR non stop, saving a couple of hours or more, so IF the unloading time is slightly more the net saving is well worthwhile. However, still not so sure about extended boarding , unloading times. The big bus is a double decker so may well be quicker to load/unload two 270 seat decks via two levels of airbridge than a single 400 seater 747 via one door as so often happens.

As LHR has had so much, deserved, bad press recently at least they ARE making a substantial investment in the future.

Regards, David Gladwin.