Gatwick has released design details of what it claims would become world’s most efficient two-runway airport if it wins the battle against Heathrow for expansion.
The plans drawn up by leading architect Sir Terry Farrell demonstrate how queues will be eliminated, passenger transit through the airport will be sped up, and aircraft turnaround will match the quickest in the world.
New adverts to be published this week highlight that Gatwick’s plan is “comparatively simple and low risk” and can be delivered in 10 years.
“In comparison, the obstacles facing Heathrow cast doubt on whether a third runway there could realistically ever be built,” Gatwick said.
The airport says improvements and services would include:
- self-service bag drops and electronic security gates that will eliminate queues;
- passengers will reach boarding gates just 30 minutes after arriving at the airport;
- Gatwick will match the world’s quickest aircraft turnaround times;
- exceptionally short taxiing times reducing operating costs and engine emissions;
- push back to take off will be just seven minutes (compared to 45 minutes at a more complex and sprawling three runway Heathrow);
- passengers will connect with flights leaving from different terminals in just 45 minutes, compared to 105 at Heathrow; and
- connection times from the same terminal at Gatwick will be just 30 minutes.
The Gatwick Connect service is already in operation and allows passengers to travel on a combination of independently operated flights and transfer through Gatwick without having to transport their bags through the airport or check-in twice.
“The service is a response to the increasing number of passengers who are bypassing traditional ways of flying by booking connecting flights themselves – often to save money,” Gatwick said.
“This is in contrast to the airline booking the connecting flight for them, either with the same airline or with one of their airline partners.
“Increasingly passengers are exploiting the range of new flight options available and are ‘self-connecting’ between a mix of low cost short and medium haul, charter and long haul flights depending on their budget and needs.
“Unlike Heathrow, Gatwick caters for all these types of flight and not just full service legacy carriers.”
Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “An expanded Gatwick can be delivered quickly and at no additional cost to the taxpayer so the UK can reap the economic benefits of expansion sooner.
“The way we travel is changing fast and we have to change with it – only Gatwick can cater for all passengers, travelling to any destination, with any airline type, now and into the future.
“Our plan recognises that traditional methods of transferring are in decline with many passengers exploiting new options to ‘self-connect’ between a mix of low cost short and medium haul, charter and long haul flights depending on their budget and needs.
“Gatwick Connect – our ground-breaking service – is an example of us already responding to changing passenger behaviour and the needs of passengers will remain central to our plan to expand.”
Sir Terry said: “Queues have literally been designed out and the new terminal will be simple and convenient to use with few changes of level.
“The airfield itself would also offer the shortest taxiing distances possible with the new apron sitting between, and in close-proximity to, both the existing and new runways.”