EXCLUSIVE: No second runway for Gatwick

By gebrey

THE new owner of Gatwick has confirmed it does not have "a shred of interest" in building a second runway.

Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), who took over the airport in December, has said it is a "simple fact" that a second runway will not even be considered any time in the foreseeable future.

New chairman Sir David Rowlands declared his hand at a meeting held last Thursday (January 28).

Speaking at the meeting, he told the Gatwick Airport Consultative Committee (GATCOM): "The simple fact is we at Gatwick have not a shred of interest in a second runway.

"We are not interested and it is not an issue for us."

NO SECOND RUNWAY: Sir David Rowlands outlined his vision for Gatwick last week

Sir David told the committee a lack of Government backing, problems getting planning permission and the huge cost make the second runway plan an unlikely prospect.

The new owners believe the key is to use the airport's existing resources more effectively.

He said: "We want to build a better airport, we want to be a good neighbour and build a good relationship with the local community.

"Our thoughts against a second runway are also the thoughts of this Government.

"Even if the Government started to look more favourably at the prospect, we would have to think very hard about whether we wanted to spend between £100 and £200 million to get the runway proposal through the planning authorities."

The sale of Gatwick Airport from BAA to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) went through late last year in a deal worth around £1.5 billion.

Under current legal agreements GIP, who also own London City Airport, would not be able to build a second runway until 2019. However after this recent announcement, it seems plans are not on the cards anyway.

Speaking at the meeting, held at The Arora Hotel, in Southgate, Sir David added: "We've got enough to do at Gatwick as it is.

"It is going to keep us busy for some years to come."

GOOD NEIGHBOUR? Gatwick's new owners have vowed to work with the local community

Local campaign groups including the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign have, in the past, voiced strong objections to the idea of a new runway.

Speaking after the meeting Brendon Sewill, from the GACC, told the News: "We welcome the fact they are not pursuing plans for a second runway. It confirms what we have always thought.

"I think it will never be built for a number of reasons. There is very little space between the airport and Crawley. The Lib Dem party and the Conservatives have said they will not allow a new runway and the climate change considerations mean a second runway would be completely ruled out.

"The general view from the GACC is that the GIP is being realistic and reasonable with their plans for Gatwick."

'We don't want to be a bad neighbour'

GATWICK'S new owners have pledged their commitment to making the airport a good neighbour for Crawley.

Bosses from Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) also told the meeting of GATCOM last week it has seen "huge enthusiasm for change" and are looking forward to having a "good relationship" with local communities surrounding the airport, including Crawley".

Sir David Rowlands said: "Airports do not always make easy neighbours.

"They are good for jobs, good for regional development and key for local businesses, however there are negative sides to having an airport next door such as congestion and noise.

"We want to build a better airport, we want to be a good neighbour and build a good relationship with the local community.

"What we have found is an extraordinary enthusiasm for change."

Gatwick's chairman also told the meeting the new company will be looking to modernise the airport, meaning it will offer more long haul flights.

He said: "We have some immediate ambitions at the moment.

"The queuing is not good at the moment at check-ins and at security, particularly in the south terminal.

"We are using little of today's technology. It is a poor experience. It is still early days but we need to think about how we can use 21st century technology to improve this.

"We see London Gatwick having a range of flights and a number of carriers. These being long haul, short haul and low cost to name a few.

"We're ambitious to get 40 million passengers per annum, possibly even more.

"However we know we cannot grow at the expense of the community."

Council boss backs new owners

COUNCIL leader Bob Lanzer has welcomed the approach taken by Gatwick's new owners.

The Conservative leader of Crawley Borough Council (pictured) believes the new owners are right to put the second runway plan to one side, and use their existing resources more efficiently.

Cllr Lanzer said the airport should look to balance the amount of traffic between the north and south terminals more effectively.

He also believes an increase in the amount of business flights going in and out of the airport will benefit businesses in the Gatwick Diamond.

Cllr Lanzer told the News: "This is a smart view to take by the new owners

"I would imagine the new owner of Gatwick might think that, by increasing the proportion of business traffic, it can achieve relatively large growth.

"I am very much in favour of this approach. It is smart growth."