Gatwick airport has announced a £1.15 billion investment plan for the next five years, with £240 million to be spent during 2017 and 2018.

New projects include:

  • The extension of Pier 6, to increase pier service levels “well beyond its 95 per cent target”
  • The reconfiguration of stands to provide more aircraft parking
  • The extension of border facilities at the North Terminal, to enable the handling of more long-haul arrivals
  • A new domestic arrivals and baggage reclaim facility at the South Terminal
  • The expansion of departure lounges at both terminals
  • A new service and maintenance hangar to be built in partnership with Boeing
  • An extended roll out of the airport’s self-service bag drop facilities
  • Additional car parking capacity for both long and short-stay customers
  • Improved access to the South Terminal for those uses local buses to travel to and from the airport
  • Projects to support greater use of electric vehicles
  • IT projects supporting core airport functions

Gatwick says the £1.15 billion investment plan adds to the £1.5 billion already spent since the airport changed ownership in 2009.

Recent projects include a major airline terminal switch, which saw Easyjet consolidate its operations at the North Terminal, BA switch to the South Terminal, and Virgin Atlantic move to the North Terminal.

Recently announced long-haul routes from the airport include Norwegian services to Buenos Aires, Austin and Chicago, while Rwandair launched flights to Kigali in May.

Commenting on the investment plan Gatwick’s construction director Raymond Melee said:

“Since coming into independent ownership, Gatwick has delivered record growth in passenger numbers and long haul services while also taking passenger satisfaction levels to an all-time high.

“As we plan to grow towards 50 million passengers per annum, we will focus on efficiency and service so that our passengers continue to receive the airport experience they expect, in the most sustainable manner possible.

“We will continue to develop the airport to meet the needs of our airlines and passengers with improvements to the way we operate on the airfield and the service we offer in our terminals.

“These projects will be delivered in a way that will help us realise our ambition to become the UK’s most sustainable airport.

“Regarding future runway expansion, our financeable and deliverable scheme for a second runway remains on the table. We will deliver a new runway for Britain, in addition to or instead of Heathrow, should the government give us its support now or in the future.”

gatwickairport.com