Gatwick airport to get £1 billion revamp

New owner Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) is set to invest £1 billion into the airport over the next two years, including improvements to the South Terminal departure lounge, entrance forecourts, immigration hall, baggage systems and the North Terminal Interchange. GIP, which also owns London City airport, bought Gatwick from BAA in December 2009, and says the new Gatwick will “present a unique offer to passengers and airlines”. Stewart Wingate, CEO of Gatwick Airport, said: “Today is an important milestone as we compete to make Gatwick, London’s airport of choice for passengers and airlines. Gatwick has long been recognised as London’s favourite airport, a more friendly and enjoyable place to travel. It’s by building on these qualities and investing in new facilities that Gatwick will go from strength to strength.” Next month will see the reopening of the airport’s inter-terminal shuttle service, which has been closed for refurbishment since September last year (see online news July 27, 2009). A multi-million pound extension to the North Terminal is also set to be unveiled, with more self-service machines, a new fast track security service, assistance lanes for families and passengers who need extra help, and new shopping brands including Superdry, Hugo Boss and Jo Malone. The news comes as the UK government has set up a South East Airports Taskforce with the aim of improving the passenger experience at the UK’s three busiest airports. For more information visit gatwickairport.com. Report by Mark Caswell