Back

AIRPORT PICKUPS LONDON

Gatwick Forge Ahead As Mps Deliberate
7 - Mar - 2016

Gatwick forge ahead as MPs deliberate

The fact that the government is yet to make their decision on which airport is chosen to expand – the transport secretary announced that a new runway would be built by 2030 – Gatwick is forging ahead with expansion plans following a record-breaking January and demonstrating that they are one of the fastest growing airports in Europe.

With 2.5 million passengers passing through the airport in January 2016 alone, a rise of 5.7%, the airport has been recognised by the Airport Council International Europe as one of Europe’s fastest growing airports, helped by new routes and strong long haul flights performing well.

As Heathrow are reported to as yet ‘engage’ with the government on the topic of ending night flights, a requirement of the Commission’s Report, and the government’s disclosure to postpone their decision on which airport will get the go-ahead for a new runway until this summer, the South East-based Gatwick Airport announced that they were pressing ahead with their expansion plans and had launched a tendering process for their second runway.

Gatwick will be asking for expressions of interest from engineering and construction consultancies to bid for contracts and provide detailed plans for the runway, all in preparation to proceed immediately with building the runway should MPs give the airport the go-ahead.  However, the successful bidders will not be selected until they have received, if they receive, the ‘green light’ this summer.  Heathrow, it has to be said, started this process late last year based on the Airports Commission’s recommendation that Heathrow should be the airport to expand.  But it is said that ministers are particularly concerned about the level of potential pollution a third runway at the London airport would incur and for this reason, amongst others, is why Gatwick may still stand a chance of being selected.  Add into the scenario the fact that Gatwick is growing far quicker than many, including the government, expected – more than 40m passengers passed through the airport last year, close to their 45m limit – as part of their expansion plans, the airport also announced that they were bringing forward other investment projects to deal with the demand such as better car parking facilities and improvements to the international departure lounge at the North Terminal.

The battle rages on and while the government pontificates over their decision, and some would say rightly so to ensure that they make the right one, and the insults between the two airports pointing out the flaws in each other’s claim to be the successor continue to be hurled, passengers will still be passing through both airports going about their daily business or departing on their holidays, almost forgetting there is a vocal war going on; in a few months’ time that will change.

In the meantime, Airport Pickups London continue to provide our customers with the best, innovative taxi transfer service you can find at extremely competitive rates in air-conditioned vehicles to sea ports, airports and other locations.  We don’t charge you taxes, we don’t charge you for using your mobile phone, and we work to provide you the best service we can in all our airport and seaport transfer services, making sure that we are fully operational, fully staffed and deliver to the highest of standards at all times, 365 days of the year, at the best possible prices!  Travelling the world to or from any airport or seaport in the South East or staying closer to home, you can rest assured that our Meet and Greet service is handled with the utmost care and attention by our professional chauffeurs, and you don’t have to worry if your flight or cruise ship is running late, we’ll be there ready and waiting, at no extra cost!  The best all-inclusive prices, and well-maintained, luxury cars that are able to carry up to eight passengers including hand and check-in luggage, without any extras… that’s Airport Pickups London’s legacy to you. 

By Airport Pickups London