The battle between Gatwick and Heathrow stepped up today as both pledged multimillion-pound investments in the race to be the UK’s number-one airport.
Gatwick plans to spend £1 billion as it takes on Heathrow to secure Government approval for a second runway.
The West Sussex base wants to lure millions of extra passengers to fly more than 41 million people each year.
The head of the Airports Commission, Sir Howard Davies, has shortlisted its plans as well as two schemes for a third runway at Heathrow.
Gatwick’s plans devote most of the proposed £1 billion on transforming the North Terminal, including £36 million on a new check-in area. Another £40 million will be for a new security and borders area and £21 million for a new departure lounge. Replacing lifts, escalators and technology is to cost £250 million while, for aircraft, more than £250 million has been earmarked for stands and storage for 2,600 bags.
Gatwick, which currently serves about 39 million passengers each year, claims to be the most efficient single-runway airport in the world.
The airport’s chief executive, Stewart Wingate, said: “Gatwick is changing for the better and the fresh £1 billion investment outlined today is a clear signal that we intend to become London’s airport of choice.”
It comes as thousands of homeowners near Heathrow’s proposed third runway have been offered an enhanced compensation package of 25 per cent on the market value of the properties if they choose to escape the noise.
Up to 3,750 homes will benefit in addition to the same offer already announced for the 750 homeowners who will have no choice but to move if Heathrow gets the go-ahead.
John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow’s chief executive said: “Now we want to work with local communities to ensure local people secure the jobs and growth that expansion at Heathrow will bring.”
Heathrow forecast that up to three quarters of those eligible may sell their properties, costing the airport between £120 million and £200 million.
