Continental moves to Gatwick North

Continental Airlines, the world”s fifth largest airline, has transferred its daily non-stop transatlantic service at Gatwick from the South Terminal to the North Terminal. The airline flies to Newark, New York (three flights daily), Houston, Texas (twice daily) and to Cleveland, Ohio (daily during the summer).

Commenting on the terminal move, senior director UK & Ireland, Bob Schumacher, said: ”This year Continental celebrates 22 years of operations at Gatwick and we have established a large and loyal customer base here. This move is part of our ongoing commitment to providing the very best services to our customers at this airport. It enables Continental to provide improved services to its customers, including a fully dedicated check-in area in the main concourse of the North Terminal. Check-in options include simple-to-use, self-service e-Service kiosks as well as full support for customers checking-in online”.

Whilst careful not to criticise the Gatwick South operation, which does adjoin the railway services, Mr Schumacher noted that the retail facilities in the Gatwick North airport departure lounge includes Harrods, Hugo Boss, Clinique and Lacoste stores. Most long haul carriers are now established in this terminal, the shops on offer reflecting their passenger requirements.

Continental BusinessFirst customers and Presidents Club members now have access to the new Emirates lounge at the North Terminal. The state-of-the-art lounge offers spacious seating for 255 passengers offering full dining and refreshment options to customers, along with a fully equipped business centre with free fixed and wireless internet access. For those who wish to relax there are three TV viewing areas, a range of magazines and international newspapers, showers and a smoking room.

BusinessFirst customers arriving at Gatwick on flights from the US will continue to be offered access to Continental”s arrivals lounge at the South Terminal. The arrivals lounge features ten private shower rooms, a valet service for customers wishing to get their clothes pressed or steamed, four workstations, light snacks and refreshments and a lounge area.

A free automatic train connects the North Terminal with the South Terminal and Gatwick Airport railway station. The train operates every three minutes and journey time between the terminals is two minutes.

Under the new bilateral arrangements Continental is known to be exploring the possibility of transferring some services to Heathrow and also opening new routes.  The Gatwick North move is seen as a clear indication of the airlines continued confidence in the south London airport for the future

Our image shows Bob Schumacher (left) with Andy Flowers, managing director of Gatwick Airport.