Gatwick is to boost its operational efficiency by more than doubling the size of one of its piers in the North Terminal, says TravelMole. With work set to commence next year, the expanded Pier 6 should be operational by the first quarter of 2022. The expansion will cost £180 million (R3,31bn).
The pier expansion is part of Gatwick’s five-year £2,7bn (R49,6bn) capital investment programme to expand the airport and increase efficiency. Raymond Melee, Gatwick construction director, said: “This is one of the most important programmes of work we have in our capital investment programme, as it will give a crucial boost to our operational efficiency and help us to grow sustainably.”
Pier 6 is in the heart of the airfield and, while he acknowledged it would be complex, Melee added: “We are experienced in delivering complicated projects in challenging environments at Gatwick.” The world’s largest aircraft, the A380, currently uses Pier 6 but will move to the recently expanded Pier 5.
Work will be carried out in four phases.
