Gatwick Airport has published its five-year Capital Investment Programme (CIP), which pledges £1.11 billion and places an emphasis on automation and technology as key growth enablers.
Projects touted include automated boarding technology and robotic parking, which the airport say will help speed up boarding, thereby improving both capacity and the passenger experience.
“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,” said Gatwick’s Chief Executive Officer, Stewart Wingate.
“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.”
The plan, which pushes the airport’s total investment since 2009 to £3.21 billion, places a particular focus on improving facilities for passengers and airlines, as well as continuing to enhance operational performance.
The Pier 6 western extension is the single biggest project contained with the CIP, which will facilitate a jetty service for North Terminal passengers, as well as improved gate waiting areas.
The e-gates incorporate biometrics as part of their automated boarding technology, which enables passengers to be processed quickly and directly onto the aircraft.
“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,” said Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of VINCI Concessions and President of VINCI Airports, which runs Gatwick.
“As such, Gatwick’s CIP 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.
“We look forward to participating in delivering this great project at Gatwick over the coming years, which is consistent with our global vision of contributing to a more accessible sustainable and passenger-focused experience.”
