A NEW air traffic control tower, standing more than twice the height of the Angel of North, was opened at Newcastle International Airport yesterday.

The 45m structure, with 360 degree views of Newcastle, the Tyne Valley, Northumberland and the coastline, has been described by Newcastle's air traffic controllers as the "the best office in the North-East".

The £8.2m development, on the north side of the airfield at the runway's mid-point, replaces the previous tower, which served passengers for more than 40 years.

Christened The Emirates Tower as the Dubai-based international airline announced a new sponsorship partnership with the airport, it was opened by Nick Brown MP, Minister for the North-East, and Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airline.

Reid architecture designed the tower after winning an industry-wide competition, with structural and engineering work completed by Arup and construction work undertaken by Sir Robert McAlpine.

National Air Traffic Services completed the installation of the latest air traffic systems and technology, making it one of the most technologically advanced towers in the UK.

The tower will become fully operational next month, after staff training. The old tower will remain on standby.

Mr Brown said: "This welcome investment in Newcastle Airport will benefit the whole region with its contribution to the regeneration of the economy, and give the North-East a distinguished iconic building."

Chris Davis, Newcastle International's head of operations, said: "This project marks an epic development for air traffic and the airport as a whole.

"The new tower is vital to support the airport's continued growth. It has been completed within 15 months to the highest standards of design and innovation."