£1 Billion Upgrade For Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport has revealed its new brand identity, heralding the start of a £1 billion plan to transform the airport.

Fittingly unveiled on the first day of summer, the new Gatwick will put passengers at the heart of its drive to provide the best possible service.The £1 billion development plan will be rolled out over the next two years, delivering new, modern facilities at every step of the journey through Gatwick.

From July, passengers flying through Gatwick can enjoy the new state-of-the-art inter-terminal shuttle, two months ahead of schedule in time for the busy summer period. At the same time, a brand new multi-million pound extension to the airport’s North Terminal will provide a world-class welcome for passengers.

At check-in there are already more self-service facilities, at security there’s a new Fast Track security service and assistance lanes for families and passengers who need extra help. And there’s great shopping with new brands such as Superdry, Hugo Boss and Jo Malone, all with up to 30% off high street prices.

Looking ahead, the £1 billion investment will see improvements to almost every part of the airport, including the South Terminal departure lounge, entrance forecourts, immigration hall, baggage systems and the North Terminal Interchange.

Global Infrastructure Partners completed its purchase of Gatwick from BAA in December 2009 and as an independent airport, the investment programme is an opportunity for Gatwick to bring real competition to the London airports market. With a focus on quality of service and investment in world-class facilities, 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.”

The launch of the new Gatwick comes the week after the Government announced it is establishing the South East Airports Taskforce which will seek to improve the passenger experience at the UK’s three busiest airports.

“We welcome the introduction of the South East Airports Taskforce and look forward to working with the new Government, airlines and industry partners to deliver a great experience for Gatwick passengers now and in the future. The quality of service we provide to passengers and airlines is central to our future growth and development strategy,” added Stewart.