Gatwick launches its surface transport strategy to support its vision for growth

Gatwick has today published its Airport Surface Access Strategy, which outlines how it aims to deliver integrated transport options to 2030, when it expects to reach full capacity with around 45 million passengers a year choosing to fly from the airport.

Julia Gregory, who joined Gatwick earlier this year as Head of Surface Transport, is responsible for setting and delivering the airport’s surface access strategy in support of the airport’s ambition to compete and grow to become London’s airport of choice. Commenting on the strategy Julia said: “With approximately 40 million passenger and staff journeys to and from the airport each year, the demand for travel to Gatwick is substantial. It is crucial that access continues to improve in order to support our sustainable growth from 34 to 45 million by 2030 and that we maintain our status as the most accessible airport serving London. Increasing accessibility from London and the wider catchment area, and improving existing infrastructure is key to this.

“We’ve worked closely with the Government, transport operators and stakeholders and continue to work together to ensure that we deliver a seamless journey for the passenger and that there are clear benefits to the local community and our environmental footprint.”

Gatwick recognises that making further improvements to its surface access is essential to achieving sustainable growth and one of its stated targets is to encourage 40% of non-transfer passengers to use public transport by the time it is handling 40 million passengers a year. Gatwick also makes commitments to help fund improvements for rail, coach and local bus services.

Key surface transport points:

• Passengers’ journeys from plane to train to the heart of London from Gatwick are the fastest and most convenient of all London airports and airlines are choosing to operate from Gatwick because of our rail connectivity to London. By working together with rail operators, Gatwick is aiming to ensure that the improvements to the rail station, of which it has invested nearly £8 million, are completed in 2013 as planned and the new Thameslink ‘super franchise’, once decided, balances the needs of air passengers and commuters
• Gatwick is also aiming to work with operators to improve its mature and well developed coach network. By developing new and existing services to regional destinations, improving the passenger experience and by providing information that passengers require using new and existing technology, Gatwick believes this can contribute 2% to its share of public transport use
• By 2030, Gatwick believes demand to park at Gatwick will increase by a further 34,700 car parking spaces. Key priorities include making the most efficient use of its existing car parking facilities; accommodating all additional airport-related car parking on-airport; applying the use of technology to enhance the passenger experience

Gatwick Airport’s Surface Access Strategy 2012 – 2030 is available to read and can be downloaded www.gatwickairport.com/surfaceaccess

Gatwick Airport’s master plan is available to read and can be downloaded www.gatwickairport.com/masterplan