A £1.11 billion five-year expansion plan has been unveiled for Gatwick.
An extension to pier six is the single biggest project outlined in the capital investment programme.
It aims to offer 500,000 more North Terminal passengers the ability to embark and disembark aircraft via a jetty-served stand, as well as improved gate waiting areas.
The design incorporates automated boarding technology which uses biometrics to process passengers through e-gates straight onto the aircraft.
Similar projects run by other airports owned by Gatwick half sahreholder Vinci Airports will “provide inspiration” for the Pier 6 extension’s coffee shops and retail.
The expenditure plan provides a strong focus on improving facilities for passengers and airlines, as well as continuing to enhance operational performance, according to Gatwick.
New projects include expansion of both the international departure lounges in both North and South Terminals to create additional space for seating, retail and catering units, toilets and other passenger facilities.
A new car park in the North Terminal is planned to provide 3,250 additional spaces from summer 2021.
A special assistance airside lounge for the South Terminal, similar to a North Terminal facility which opened last year, is also to be created.
More water fountains and recycling facilities have also been promised.
Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “The plans explore ways we can grow capacity sustainably, including providing more space in our departure lounges.
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“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.
“We have outlined our long-term growth strategy in our final master plan and the capital investment programme we are sharing today, gives a more detailed view of our short-term plans which will continue to improve our service proposition and lay foundations for the future.”
Nicolas Notebaert, chief executive of Vinci Concessions and president of Vinci Airports, 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.”