Gatwick claims it could be 'world's most efficient two-runway airport'

The airport said new designs by architect Sir Terry Farrell would mean the elimination of queues, quicker passenger transit and speedier aircraft turn around.

The new design comes as the airport increases its efforts top win the public over with new adverts to be published this week highlighting that Gatwick’s plan is “comparatively simple and low risk and can be delivered in just 10 years, by 2025.”

The airport adds: “In comparison, the obstacles facing Heathrow cast doubt on whether a third runway there could realistically ever be built.”

Gatwick claims the new design will eliminate queues with self-service bag drops and electronic security gates, helping passengers to reach the boarding gate 30 minutes after arrival.

It added the airport will match the world’s quickest aircraft turnaround times while “exceptionally” short taxiing times will reduce operating costs and engine emissions.

Push back to take off will take seven minutes per aircraft, while passengers will be able to connect with flights leaving different terminals in 45 minutes and in 30 minutes from the same terminal.

Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “An expanded Gatwick can be delivered quickly and at no additional cost to the taxpayer so the UK can reap the economic benefits of expansion sooner.

“Queues have literally been designed out. The new terminal will be simple and convenient to use”

Sir Terry Farrell

“The way we travel is changing fast and we have to change with it - only Gatwick can cater for all passengers, travelling to any destination, with any airline type, now and into the future.

“Our plan recognises that traditional methods of transferring are in decline with many passengers exploiting new options to ‘self-connect’ between a mix of low cost short and medium haul, charter and long haul flights depending on their budget and needs.

“Gatwick Connect - our ground-breaking service - is an example of us already responding to changing passenger behaviour and the needs of passengers will remain central to our plan to expand.”

Gatwick Connect is already in operation and allows passengers traveling on two independently operated flights to transfer through the airport without having to transport their bags.

Sir Terry Farrell added: “Farrell’s has designed what Skytrax has twice voted the best airport in world, and has been involved in many more, but we’ve raised the bar yet higher with our elegant masterplan to make Gatwick the world’s most efficient two runway airport.

“Queues have literally been designed out and the new terminal will be simple and convenient to use with few changes of level.

“The airfield itself would also offer the shortest taxiing distances possible with the new apron sitting between, and in close-proximity to, both the existing and new runways.”