The latest spending plan brings total investment in the airport to over £3bn since the airport changed ownership in December 2009.
Chief Executive, Stewart Wingate said the airport will spend £266m planned for 2018/19 alone as preparations begin for the Pier 6 Western Extension
Phase 1 works will start with enabling Pier 5 to handle the A380 aircraft, so that it can move from its current home on Pier 6.
This work will also involve the widening and reconfiguration of a taxiway to accommodate the 80m wingspan of the A380.
As well as Pier 6, Gatwick Airport is exploring how it might create additional long-haul capacity in the South Terminal which may include further pier redevelopment.
2018-2023 key projects plan
- New domestic arrivals facility, including a new baggage reclaim in South Terminal.
- Mezzanine level extension in the North Terminal departure lounge to accommodate new restaurants.
- Completion of the road system and taxiway entrance to the new Boeing aircraft hangar to connect the airfield with the new facility. The new hangar opens next year and will service the growing number of long-haul aircraft operating from Gatwick.
- Re-development of South Terminal hotel capacity.
- Enabling works for Network Rail’s planned upgrade to the Gatwick station.
- New reception centre for passengers with reduced mobility in the North Terminal.
“By committing to spend another £1.11bn, Gatwick can continue to grow sustainably, attract new airlines and offer more global connections, while providing an excellent service to passengers, said Wingate.
“This year we will welcome new quieter aircraft with the introduction of A321s by easyJet and we are developing our infrastructure now, by reconfiguring airfield stands and planning for the construction of a major extension to our Pier 6 facility. These initiatives will support this next phase of growth.
“Looking beyond this capital investment programme, we welcome the Government’s support for airports making best use of their existing runways and we will plan for our longer term future by developing a Masterplan later this year”.
Gatwick is widely recognised for its award winning technological innovation– and has also identified a number of emerging projects which look to harness technology to further improve efficiency and service.
[Ref: constructionenquirer.com]
