Gatwick ‘will double in size’
24.08.08
In 20 years time, Gatwick Airport will be twice the size, with a second runaway and new terminal building. This is the prediction of Jeremy Taylor during an hour-long grilling from Argus newspaper readers as part of its 'Friday Inquisition' feature.
Mr Taylor is the chief executive of Cadia, the businesses association for the Gatwick Diamond region, and was answering questions on why he believes that expansion at the airport is necessary to improve the future economic health of the area.
Jeff, from Hove, asked: ‘What do you see to be the future of Gatwick in an increasingly carbon-conscious culture and how will the airport look in 20 years time?’
Mr Taylor replied that modern aircraft are 70% more fuel efficient than 40 years ago, adding: ‘The cost of oil is a very significant cost on airlines and so fuel efficiency will result in diminishing the carbon impact of future growth. In 20 years time, the airport should be twice the size, with a second runway approximately one kilometre to the south of the existing runway, a new terminal building, dramatically refurbished south terminal building, and a fully-integrated multi-modal transport hub.’
Andrew, from Patcham, made the point that Gatwick owners BAA have an agreement with West Sussex County Council not to build a new runway before 2019. He wanted to know if this would be ignored if the airport has to be sold, which was recommended by the Competition Commission in its report into BAA’s monopoly of London airports published earlier this week.
Mr Taylor replied: ‘Good question, and one that actually almost negates the second runway debate as nothing can be built until 2019, as you have identified. The only way the legal agreement can be overturned before 2019 is by an act of Parliament, which will require courage from the government of the day.’
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