UK. Gatwick Airport has published details of a £1.11 billion (US$1.21 billion) five-year investment plan, including a major extension to Pier 6.
The investment at the London airport, which brings the total investment at the airport since 2009 to £3.21 billion (US$3.9 billion) will also see the expansion of the departure lounges in both the North and South terminals leading to additional retail, F&B, seating and other passenger facilities.
The Pier 6 western extension will give over half a million more passengers every year the ability to embark and disembark via a jetty-served stand at the airport’s North Terminal.
The improvements to the area will also see improved gate-waiting areas featuring new retail and F&B outlets. The airport’s operator, Vinci Airports, said expansion projects at its other airports would be the inspiration for the commercial additions.
Automated boarding technology using biometrics will also be introduced at the Pier 6 extension and automation is central to a number of the other developments announced.
Gatwick said it will increase its investment in self-service bag drop areas and introduce robotic car parking – a technology already in use at Vinci-operated Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport.
Elsewhere, the airport has committed to a new car park for the North Terminal, delivering 3,250 additional parking spaces by 2021 and a £37 million (US$45 million) investment in Gatwick’s train station.
Gatwick added that emerging projects will also include auto-docking airbridges, automated baggage handling, a special assistance airside lounge for the South Terminal and more water fountains and recycling facilities.
Gatwick Chief Executive Officer Stewart Wingate said: “We always put passengers at the heart of our investment plans and it’s great to see how automation and technology can further enhance the passenger experience. The plans explore ways we can grow capacity sustainably, including providing more space in our departure lounges. This investment will support our existing airlines, help attract new airlines and provide an enhanced service for the millions of people who choose to fly from Gatwick.”
Vinci Airports CEO Nicolas Notebaert added: “Belonging to the world’s most extensive and diversified network of airports is a unique opportunity for each one to get inspiration and capture the best airport management worldwide. As such, Gatwick’s capital investment programme will benefit from sharing best practice through the Vinci Airports’ network and tap into the extensive expertise in programme management, customer experience and innovative new services such as robotic parking.”
