Satellite Pier - What is it??
 

Apologise in advance if this sounds like a really stupid question but what is a satellite pier?

Read somewhere that BHX is planning to replace its current pier with a satellite pier in the near future.

Just a guess but it sounds like a pier, that is not structurally connected to the terminal. Some of the bigger airports have these with access usually gained via tunnels. One example of this is Paris CDG. Probably a lot more

Gatwick has a satellite pier, or at least it did when the monorail along it was in use, now it is a walkway so maybe no longer a satellite?

I think it is basically a long walk that takes you to where there is more space, so a larger number of stands can be utilised?

http://www.airliners.net/open.file?i...ext_id=0616911

Its a picture of LGW on Airliners.net that clearly shows the satellite pier, the circular one...

Gatwick now has a newer one (not sure if this is the same one referred to above) which is connected by a fantastic bridge that the aircraft pass underneath, perhaps a bit scary if you're uncomfortable with heights, but it gives a fabulous view of the apron. One of the few design highlights of a UK airport! :)

It's where Branson's flights into space will tip out downroute ;)

We are replacing the International pier at BHX. It will be built alongside the existing pier Stand 40/41 side and when completed the existing pier will be demolished.
There are proposals within the master plan to build a satellite pier between the 70 and 80 stands. This was also proposed in 1995 and was dropped so it remains to be seen if it will be built up to 2030. The proposed second runway has been dropped already as it is now considered unnecessary.

This has the revised plan on it up to 2030. Without the second Runway but with the satellite pier shown....Hopefully it will go ahead this time.
Revised plan to 2030

Dublin has a new Pier D which is effectively a satellite pier North of the main terminal: huge curved access which must take ages if you have to walk.

Looking out towards airside and reading from left to right (just like we were taught in school) Dublin now has Piers C, B, A and D. Nice one!