The UK's biggest airport which has long been linked to Queen Elizabeth, has said its staff were distraught following the news of her death. Terminal 2 at Heathrow Airport was christened "The Queen's Building" nearly 60 years after opening the original hub.
A Heathrow spokesperson said: “All of us at Heathrow are saddened to hear that Her Majesty the Queen has passed away. We offer our condolences to the Royal Family, the British public and the nations of the Commonwealth at this time.
"We're thankful to have shared many key milestones with Queen Elizabeth II during her life, including welcoming her warmly in 1952 when she arrived back from Kenya as our Queen. The world has lost an irreplaceable person and our country, one of its greatest.”
Meanwhile, national flag-carrier British Airways added: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Her Majesty the Queen. At this terribly sad time, our thoughts are with the entire British Royal Family and the nation, as we grieve her immeasurable loss.
“We are deeply honoured and proud to have flown Her Majesty on a number of occasion, moments which we will always cherish. Her Majesty has for so long shown immense resilience and encouraged us to stand together with the United Kingdom, to thank her for her service and bid her a final farewell.”
Sir Richard Branson, founder of The Virgin Group, praised her “life of service, standing for the best of British values, providing grace and consistency in an ever-changing world.”
Its airline - Virgin Atlantic - said in a statement: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was an extraordinary figurehead, flying the flag for the United Kingdom around the world during a reign like no other. Rest in peace, Your Majesty.”
P&O Cruises, which operated two vessels named by Her Majesty, stated: "P&O Cruises and its staff both ashore and at sea express deep regret at the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Her Majesty will always be remembered at P&O Cruises not least for the fact that she named two of the company’s ships, Oriana and Britannia.”
Fellow cruise operator Cunard said: “All at Cunard are deeply saddened at the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Her Majesty had a long association with the company Dating back to 1938 and included her naming four ships. For that Cunard will be forever grateful to The Queen.”
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