Gatwick airport has undertaken to cap landing charges inclusive of inflation at £15 for the next 30 years if they are awarded the go ahead to build another railway. Gatwick CEO gave this undertaking to the airports commission in the continued lobbying for expansion. If given the nod, the airport pledged to have the new runway up and working by 2025. The guarantees set the commercial basis of Gatwick’s push for consideration. Gatwick has also promised to bear all the risks of the expansion, market pricing, inflation, traffic level and operational overheads. The airport has said it will pay £1000 per year for council tax for residents affected by the aircraft noise and to maintain air quality levels.
Gatwick airport has in the meantime indicated that it is a few years away from full capacity. In fact the airport is unable to meet demand in most times in the year. Gatwick achieved its second year of growth February having handled an excess of 24 million passengers. This was 7.2% higher than a similar period last year. A load factor of 81.8% led to a record 165177 passengers who moved through the airport in February. European scheduled serves increased 9.6% with pairs bringing in the highest growth through new flights introduced by budget carrier easy jet.
Gatwick airport bosses say the guarantees will give airports and airlines peace of mind knowing that they will not pay higher fares and fees through higher airport charges. They also present a progressive solution where direct compensation for local populations who will be affected by the expansion is provided. Most people agree that the expansion delayed is long overdue and something needs to be done.