London airport serves the world

If you have travelled by plane (we also say "by air"), you will probably agree that travelling by plane is a very exciting experience. An airport is so different from a railway station or a bus stop, the people you meet and the things you see are very interesting and new. What is more, a big airport is like a town - with its own shops, banks and police.

London airport is one of the most modern in the world today and is a popular visiting place for both old and young. The airport covers over four square miles, and the road round it is 13 miles long. The airport has five main runways: the longest is 12,000 feet. The total number of people who work at the airport is nearly 36,000. London airport is one of the busiest in the world - more than 50 airlines operate from it every week. Every day of the week in the summer, over 800 planes land or take off.

London airport is unique in its layout. All passenger and control buildings are in the centre of the airport. The only way for passengers to approach these buildings is by a tunnel which has been constructed under the main runways.

This great airport is famous for the efficiency of its service to the passengers who are continually travelling to all parts of the world. At the airport, all luggage is mechanically handled. This is done by a system of conveyor belts, which enables the passengers to pass this great airport with ease.

The cost of making such an airport was approximately 20 millions, but much more will be spent before the work is completed. Each year money is needed for the development of the airport to accommodate great new transatlantic aircraft. Runways have to be lengthened to enable these airplanes to take off with their heavy loads. Air bus system started in 1977.

One of the big attractions at London airport is the Roof Gardens which are open to visitors who wish to see how a modem airport operates. The Roof Gardens give a view of the whole of the airport. From the garden you can see all the aircraft landing and taking off: you can see VC-10 - an intercontinental airliner - which has its engines at the back, and has a speed of 600 m.p.h., the Trident, the Boeing 707, the Concord, and many others. While you are watching the planes, a loudspeaker tells you where they are all going to or where they have come from. It also tells you if there are any film-stars, actors or other personalities on board. If you have your own camera you can take a lot of exciting pictures.

The English, as you know, like animals very much. You will not be surprised, therefore, when we tell you that London airport has a special animal "hotel". Every year, thousands of animals arrive at London airport. Some stay the night mere; others stay several weeks. Some just go to have a drink of water and a rest. The "hotel" looks after birds, insects, fish, elephants, monkeys and spiders.

Notes:

layout- планування

luggage- багаж

Ex.21. Discussion points:

1. The main stages of the development of air transport.

2. Advantages and disadvantages of air transport.

Date: 2015-09-05; view: 592; Нарушение авторских прав