Gatwick has opened discussions with contractors about building a second runway, although will make no decision on winning bidders unless it secures government backing for the project.
A decision on airport expansion is expected in the summer following the government’s delay last year.
The announcement comes as Gatwick confirmed it has accelerated and expanded its £2.5 billion investment programme to cope with growing passenger traffic.
Speaking at an event in London to a group of construction leaders and chief executives, Gatwick’s development director, Raymond Melee, said the airport was “approaching full capacity” and will soon hit 41 million annual passengers – a record for a single runway airport.
“It is important that Gatwick is ready to start work as soon as we get government approval to deliver the increased capacity Britain desperately needs.
“Opening discussions with contractors now means we will be well placed to take forward our plans for a second runway, on time and on budget.
“Gatwick remains the cheaper, faster, and more sustainable scheme. Legally, politically and environmentally, we are the only deliverable option that can actually deliver the jobs, growth and additional capacity that airport expansion would bring,” he said.
Melee said new projects being brought forward to meet passenger demand include:
- North Terminal international departure lounge expansion
- North Terminal short-stay car park
- Border Force expansion in both terminals
- Additional pier served stands
Existing facilities to be improved include:
- Pier and gate room refurbishments
- Food and beverage enhancements
- Additional remote aircraft parking stands and changes to taxiways and stands to optimise the airfield operations
- Improvement to roads and bus and coach facilities
He added: “Gatwick has already invested £1.3 billion since becoming independent from BAA ownership, transforming the way we operate to deliver a world-class experience for our passengers.
“Over the next five years we will be investing £1.2 billion to meet accelerated passenger growth and bringing forward crucial infrastructure projects.”
Earlier this week, Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye gave his first speech since the airport was chosen for expansion by the Airports Commission.
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