Sadiq Khan welcomes Gatwick airport’s £1.2Bn investment plan

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, welcomes with Gatwick airport’s plan to increase its investment by £200M as part plans to transform the airport.

Mr Khan visited the airport and praised Gatwick’s decision and urged the new Prime Minister Theresa May to act quickly and rule in favour of a new runway at Gatwick.

The extra money will be used to transform, improve and regenerate the existing airport and will see the investment rise over the next five years to £1.2Bn.

Since coming under new ownership in 2009, the total investment invested in improving the airport up to 2021 will be £2.5Bn.

As part of the he new Capital Investment Programme (2016 to 2021), both the North Terminal and South Terminal will see their departure lounges expanded. Shopping facilities will also be improved.

Immigration halls in both terminals will be expanded and extra aircraft parking stands will be created, with the taxiway being enhanced.

Mr Khan, said: “Gatwick is the front door to London for millions of visitors to our city and I salute their decision to spend another £200m on improvements to the airport. They have put together a formidable plan that is a fantastic display of their confidence in London.

“The new Prime Minister has a very important decision to make regarding new airport capacity, and I urge her to rule as swiftly as possible in favour of a second runway at Gatwick, which would bring substantial economic benefits.”

It is hoped these plans will help to support Gatwick’s continued record growth. Since 2009, the number of passengers has increased from 31 million annual passengers to 41 million annual passengers. This is ten years ahead of the airport’s projected figures of growth.

Gatwick Airport CEO Stewart Wingate said:“ As Gatwick rapidly approaches full capacity, this increased investment paves the way for our second runway project. As we enter a new era for Britain, we must be agile and decisive as a country to show the world that we are open for business.

“It is now clear that only Gatwick can deliver the runway Britain needs to boost international competitiveness and trading links at a time when it is most needed, and we can do that before 2025.

“This investment will also make sure that we can continue Gatwick’s record growth and transformation. Our total investment since coming into private ownership now stands at £2.5Bn as we operate the World’s most efficient single runway airport.”

 

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