The airport is managed by BAA, who also own and operate five other UK airports.BAA is owned by ADI Limited, a global consortium led by the Spanish Ferrovial Group, which also includes Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and GIC Special Investments. Heathrow is a major hub for BMI and British Airways, and is actually a base for Virgin Atlantic Airways.
Heathrow is 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) wes of Central London, and features two parallel major runways spanning east-to-west and four operational terminals. Thearea covers 12.14 square kilometres (4.69 sq mi). Terminal 5 was formally opened up by Queen Elizabeth II on 14 March 2008 and was open to passengers on 27 March 2008. Development of the new Terminal 2 complex to replace the terminal building and also adjacent Queen's Building began in 2009; the initial phase is predicted to be ready in 2014. Terminals 3 and 4 underwent main refurbishments that began in 2007 and had been finished in 2009. In November 2007 a consultation procedure began for the making of a brand-new third runway and a sixth terminal and it was controversially given the green light on 15 January 2009 by UK Government ministers. The project ended up being cancelled on 12 May 2010 by the Cameron Government.
Heathrow Airport contains a CAA Public Use Aerodrome Licence (Number P527) that allows flights for the public transport of passengers or for flying teaching.