Airport News
London Gatwick is set to invest a further €1.2 billion into the airport in the next six years.
The money will be spent on a transformation of the check-in areas to reduce queuing times; a new state-of-the-art security area in the North Terminal; redevelopment of Pier 1 – the UK’s oldest pier – which will see the existing pier demolished and a two-storey replacement built.
Facilities will include a new baggage system, allowing passengers to use automated fast-bag drops, and new gate rooms linked to five new aircraft stands by air bridges.
Airlines will also have the option to offer “day before” check-in, through a new automated bag store system.
Pier 6 will also be extended to provide a world-class, 95% pier service – a key requirement for passengers. The project will also increase the number of A380 stands.
Continued partnering with the UK border force to improve immigration queues and the overall passenger experience, following work already progressed to make facilities in South Terminal lighter, brighter and with an improved layout.
Gatwick said it was making the investment as competition in London and the South East increased.
Stewart Wingate, the airport’s CEO, said: “Competition is by far the best mechanism for promoting the interests of passengers.
“It is the very reason why the Competition Commission took the decision to break up the BAA monopoly and why Gatwick is now thriving under separate ownership.”
London Heathrow announced its own €3.5 billion of investment earlier this week.
The announcement forms part of the airport’s business plan for 2014 to 2019 – and represents one of the largest private-sector investments in UK infrastructure.
