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Gatwick Vision on the Agenda for Airport Scutiny Committee
23rd January 2012
Gatwick Chairman, Sir David Rowlands, is to give an update on how the airport has transformed over the two years under the ownership of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), and describe his vision for the future.
He will be attending this week’s meeting of GATCOM – the Gatwick Airport Consultative Committee – which is open to the public.
It is an important meeting for committee members as they will also consider a response to the Draft Gatwick Master Plan, which sets out the growth needed at the airport to cater for a throughput of 40 million passengers a year by 2020 but maintaining its single runway and two terminals.
GATCOM Chairman, Dr John Godfrey, said: “Naturally, we will be keen to ensure that the environmental impacts of the airport are addressed and managed.
“We have welcomed the statement by Gatwick Airport Ltd that in moving towards the forecast growth in passenger numbers and aircraft movements it will make every effort to maintain, and where possible, improve the sustainability of its operations.
“However we would like to see more discussion in the draft plan on the impact of the airport's operation on local communities and the mitigation measures needed.”
Dr Godfrey said that overall there had been ‘significant improvements’ in the quality of the facilities and service provided at Gatwick since the change of ownership.
He added: “GATCOM, particularly its Passenger Advisory Group (PAG), supports the company’s desire to make further improvements to enhance the passenger experience, and welcomes the procurement target of purchasing 15% of the airport’s supply needs locally.”
The meeting is being held in the Desoutter Suite of the Sofitel Hotel at Gatwick North Terminal from 2pm on Thursday 26 January.
Members will also look at the key role Gatwick Airport will play for some of the participants and visitors to the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer.
Transport Secretary Justine Greening visited Gatwick recently to see how the airport intends to play its part during the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the wider legacy benefits for West Sussex.
She welcomed Gatwick's commitment to invest £1 billion on improving facilities at the airport which will benefit passengers and travellers to the UK for many years to come.
She also said that the Olympics can be a real boost to jobs, businesses and tourism and the government was determined that transport will play a full part.
GATCOM AGM to discuss Future Aviation Strategy
21st July 2011
The need to safeguard land surrounding Gatwick Airport for a second runway will be discussed by members of the Gatwick Airport Consultative Committee (GATCOM) when they meet next week (Thursday 28 July).
The discussion will be part of GATCOM’s initial response to the Government’s Aviation Scoping Paper.
GATCOM Chairman, Dr John Godfrey, said: “It is disappointing that other than making the best use of existing capacity and stating that meeting unconstrained demand is not an option, there is no significant discussion of longer term capacity issues in the scoping paper”
“The aviation framework should provide clear guidance on whether land needs to be safeguarded for longer term needs. This is critical as safeguarding affects development decisions and property blight.”
GATCOM will also hear the conclusions reached by the Government’s South East Airports Taskforce. The taskforce was set up to make the most of existing airport capacity in the South East of England.
Improvement in air quality at the airport will also be under discussion. Whilst initiatives by Gatwick Airport Limited have played an important part in improving air quality around the airport, the improvement is also partly due to the fall in the number of aircraft and passengers using the airport during the past three years.
The committee will also discuss the problems that rogue valet parking operators are causing. The operators offer secure parking at Gatwick. But instead they are leaving their customers’ cars on roads near the airport much to the annoyance of local residents.
Members will also hear of the improved performance at Gatwick in meeting customer service performance targets and also how the Airport’s management are encouraging passengers to use social media such as Twitter and Facebook to communicate with them in ‘real time’.
The meeting of GATCOM, which is open to members of the public, will be held in the Ascot Suite, Hilton Hotel, South Terminal, Gatwick Airport at 2.00 P.M. on Thursday 28 July 2011.
Gatwick Station improvements to be unveiled
1st April 2011
Details of a scheme to improve Gatwick Airport’s station before London 2012 are due to be discussed by members of GATCOM – the Gatwick Airport Consultative Committee – next week.
Members are expecting to hear from Network Rail what elements of a multi-million pound station improvement and track re-modelling project can be put in place before the Olympics start.
GATCOM Chairman, Dr John Godfrey, said: “Government Minister Theresa Villiers told us last November that ‘travellers arriving for the Olympics at one of the UK's key gateways will be greeted by facilities designed to improve the passenger experience and make it easier to get to their destination without unnecessary hassle’.
“We are hoping that an announcement about exactly what can be achieved before London 2012 will be made in time for our meeting.
“Improvements to the station have been talked about for a very long time.
“Gatwick will be second only to Heathrow as a main gateway into Britain for the biggest sporting event in the world, and the passenger experience will be very important.
“ The announcement will also be of tremendous interest to everyone who uses Gatwick Station on a regular basis.”
The GATCOM meeting is being held on Thursday, April 7 at the Hilton Hotel, South Terminal, from 2pm and is open to the public.
A Government consultation on reforming the Air Passenger Duty (APD) is also an agenda item.
Dr Godfrey said: “The Government is looking at whether there should be a lower level of APD paid by passengers travelling from regional airports outside London and the South East.
“This could have major implications for Gatwick, and we will be asking members for their initial reaction before we finalise our response to the consultation.”
Members are also discussing some good news for all parents flying from Gatwick with young children, after the recent launch of Kids Zones in both the South and North terminals.
Dr Godfrey said: “This is something that our Passenger Advisory Group has felt would be a great idea for a long time, and has been working closely with Gatwick Airport Ltd (GAL).
“We are asking GAL to carry out some passenger research over the Easter period when a large number of families will be heading off on holiday.
“I am sure that the feedback will be positive because every parent will know how difficult it can be to keep young children occupied while waiting for a flight.”
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GATCOM will review Airport's severe weather performance
Members of the Gatwick Airport Consultative Committee – GATCOM- will hear this week how the airport coped with the heavy snow and ice that played havoc across the country last month.
The West Sussex airport was in the media spotlight when it had to close for two days during the first heavy snow in December.
But, when there was more severe weather later in the month it was a very different story as the focus of passenger anger switched to Heathrow.
Dr John Godfrey, GATCOM Chairman, said: “The meeting will include a report from Gatwick Airport Ltd about its response to the very severe weather conditions.
“Following the first snowfall the airport’s owners, Global Infrastructure Partners, agreed to an investment of £8 million in additional snow clearing vehicles, doubling the size of its fleet from 47 to 97, putting Gatwick’s snow clearing capability on a par with that of Oslo airport in Norway.
“The first of these new vehicles arrived in time for the second spell of severe weather which only closed the airport for less than five hours.
“I am sure GATCOM members and the wider travelling public will be anxious to hear how well the airport now feels it is prepared for future bad weather on a similar scale.”
The GATCOM meeting is taking place at 2pm on Thursday, January 27 at the Hilton Hotel, South Terminal, and is open to the public.
Other agenda items include a discussion about the work programme for the South East Airports Taskforce, set up by the Government.
Dr Godfrey said: “This is focusing on several issues including improving the passenger experience by reducing delays. Its brief includes looking at security procedures, and the work of the UK Border Agency in terms of passport control and all the processes involved.
“The Taskforce is also looking at road and rail links at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted to identify what steps might be possible in the short term to bring about improvements.”
The meeting will also discuss changes to the Gatwick Express.
Latest rail proposals still recommend including a stop at Clapham Junction on some peak hour Gatwick Express Services.
Dr Godfrey said: “GATCOM has strongly opposed this, and we want to see the Gatwick Express maintained as a non-stop, premium service between the airport and the capital.”
GATCOM concerns for premium rail service
14th October 2010
GATCOM – The Gatwick Airport Consultative Committee – is set to step up its campaign for the ‘premium’ Gatwick Express rail service to be maintained.
Members will discuss their concerns about the service at their next meeting on Thursday, October 21.
But, the meeting is also expected to give a warm welcome to the £53 million upgrade to Gatwick station announced earlier this week by Gatwick Airport Ltd and Network Rail.
Chairman Dr John Godfrey said: “There has been tremendous support and effort by Gatwick Airport Limited, GATCOM, the Gatwick local authorities, and a whole range of other interests in trying to secure the funding for this important scheme. This is obviously very welcome news for the airport and travellers. ”
But, he says GATCOM member organisations are less happy about plans by train operator Southern for new ticket gates at the airport railway station and the use of ‘inferior’ rolling stock.
The ticket gates are part of Southern’s franchise commitment to install these at all its stations, including Gatwick.
However, GATCOM is calling for a re-think on the franchise requirement because it will include installing gates at the Gatwick Express platforms at Gatwick and London Victoria.
Dr Godfrey said: “That will mean passengers using the Gatwick Express will have to buy tickets before boarding the train when one of the main selling points for this very popular and important service is the on-board ticketing arrangements.”
“The gates will also hinder the flow of passengers with large amounts of luggage, meaning that they will always need to be manned for free flow.
“It was a failing of the franchise policy that there was no consultation with key stakeholders over issues such as this, and we will be asking the Department for Transport and Southern for a review.”
“Our other concern is over the rolling stock being introduced by Southern as we believe it to be inferior for a premium service.”
“Southern is not renewing the lease on the special 460 carriages designed for airport passenger express services. These have large double doors, and extra luggage capacity.
“Older refurbished carriages are already being used during peak periods and we believe this is another mistake. The single width exterior doors to the carriages not only cause problems for travellers with large amounts of luggage, but also prevent people in electric wheelchairs from using the service.”
“This refurbished rolling stock will help reduce the popularity and effectiveness of the Gatwick Express.”
GATCOM’s meeting is taking place at the Sofitel Hotel, North Terminal, from 2pm and is open to the public.
Earlier in the day, members of the committee will take their annual tour of the airport.
“This is an opportunity to meet the people who make the airport tick and look first hand at the passenger experience,” said Dr Godfrey.
Other items on the agenda include a presentation from the UK Border Agency on its work at the airport and future plans.
GATCOM’s Passenger Advisory Group will be reporting ‘significant improvements’ in passenger queuing times for security checks with performance standards being met for 11 consecutive months by Gatwick Airport Ltd.
The meeting will also be attended by a senior representative of Global Infrastructure Partners, owners of Gatwick, who will outline the company’s future plans for the airport.
GATCOM to hear about Airport's Olympic Plans
GATCOM – the Gatwick Airport Consultative Committee – is expecting to hear more about how the international airport is gearing up for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Details of the planning for both events are on the agenda for GATCOM’S next meeting on Thursday, July 22.
The item forms part of a busy agenda for the meeting in the Ascot Suite of the Hilton Hotel, South Terminal, which starts at 2pm and is open to the public.
“There is quite a lot of good news to report,” said GATCOM Chairman Dr John Godfrey.
“For example, we will hear that air pollution levels continue on a downward trend, and that the National Air Traffic Service (NATS) is working with air traffic controllers to reduce the number of aircraft flying over Horley.
“I am also sure that members will want to congratulate Gatwick, for delivering the 'first major milestone' in its £1 billion investment programme. Passengers flying through Gatwick can now enjoy its new state-of-the-art inter-terminal shuttle, two months ahead of schedule and in time for the four million passengers that are expected to travel through the airport this summer.”
GATCOM is also expected to hear more about the new coalition Government’s approach to aviation after further runways were ruled out.
A Task Force to look at airports in the South East was recently announced and GATCOM is waiting to see its terms of reference.
GATCOM Press Statement: SOUTH EAST AIRPORTS TASK FORCE
Dr John Godfrey, Chairman of GATCOM - the Gatwick Airport Consultative Committee, said today: "We welcome the setting up of this Task Force and GATCOM and its Passenger Advisory Group will seek to play a role in its deliberations.”
"The new Government's decision not to allow the building of new runways at the London airports means that the 2003 Air Transport White Paper needs to be revisited and there is the need for a revised statement of national aviation policy to provide a strategic framework for the future development of the aviation industry.”
"The emphasis in the Government statement on better not bigger airports and improved services for passengers is encouraging.”
"We hope that the Task Force will also have on its agenda the very important role that a competitive and successful Gatwick plays in the economy of the south east region.”
"GATCOM looks forward to seeing the detailed terms of reference in due course and will seek full involvement in the process.”
Body Scanners on the Agenda for GATCOM
15 April 2010
The use of body scanners to improve aircraft and passenger safety is one of the items on a varied agenda for the next meeting of GATCOM – the Gatwick Airport Consultative Committee.
Members will be discussing a paper summarising the Department for Transport’s consultation on a code of practice for the acceptable use of security scanners at airports.
Dr John Godfrey, Chairman of GATCOM said the issue had already been discussed by the committee’s Passenger Advisory Group.
He said: “I am sure that we will be very keen to ensure that Gatwick communicates to passengers at the earliest possible stage of their journey through the airport what the security check will involve, and who might be asked to have a body scan.”
The GATCOM meeting is taking place on Thursday April 22 at the Sofitel, North Terminal, Gatwick, from 2pm, and is open to the public.
Members are also expected to hear more about future plans for the airport, which was sold in December 2009 by BAA to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP).
Stewart Wingate, Gatwick’s Chief Executive Officer, will attend to present a report on recent activities at the airport.
Dr Godfrey said: “We will also be looking at strategic transport options for the Gatwick Diamond area prior to a final report that will be considered by the Regional Transport Board on May 21.
“A number of sustainable transport studies have been commissioned in the South East including one for the Gatwick Diamond. The aim is to identify ways in which the transport network and associated services can be modified, adapted and improved to meet the aspirations of the study area and address the strategic challenges it faces.
“This is a hugely important piece of work given the key role that Gatwick Airport and the Gatwick Diamond plays in the local and national economy.”
GATCOM to hear from Airport's new Chairman
26 January 2010
The first meeting of the Gatwick Airport Consultative Committee (GATCOM) since the sale of the international airport is being held on Thursday (January 28).
The agenda includes an address by Sir David Rowlands, Chairman of Gatwick Airport Ltd, followed by a question and answer session with members of GATCOM.
The meeting is also being attended by Stewart Wingate, Gatwick’s new Chief Executive Officer.
The sale of the airport from BAA to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) was completed in December.
Neil Maltby, GATCOM’S Vice-Chairman, said: “This will be a good opportunity to hear how Sir David sees the future of the airport in the long as well as the short term.
“Our members will want to build a sound working relationship with GIP and the new executive management team, and be closely involved and consulted about any future proposals.
“I am sure members will want to hear from Sir David about his vision for Gatwick, and how GIP expects to balance the needs of the economy and business with the airport’s environmental obligations.”
Mr Wingate is attending the meeting to update GATCOM on airport activities since the last meeting of the committee, and has been asked for an update on the reasons for the runway closures during recent bad weather and the lessons learned. GATCOM will also ask about the implications for Gatwick following the failed Christmas Day bomb plot.
The meeting is taking place at the Arora International Hotel, Southgate Avenue, Crawley, at 2pm, and is open to the public.
The agenda also includes an update on proposed improvements to Gatwick’s railway station – GATCOM has been pressing for track and signalling improvements to create a full transport interchange, as well the improvements to the station concourse in time for London 2012.
Members will also be discussing ways of ensuring the views of Gatwick passengers are fully heard at national level if the Government presses ahead with a proposal to extend the role of Passenger Focus from trains and buses into the national organisation representing air passengers.
GATCOM’s message to new owners of Gatwick
4th December 2009
The Chairman of GATCOM – The Gatwick Airport Consultative Committee – says the organisation wants to forge a ‘sound working relationship’ with the new owners of the international airport.
Chairman Dr John Godfrey was speaking today (December 4) as the sale of the airport from BAA to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) was finally completed.
He said: “GATCOM always enjoyed a sound working relationship with BAA, and we are anxious to see that continue with the new owner.
“As the statutory advisory committee for the airport, we look forward to working closely with GIP to see the ‘new’ Gatwick develop.
“This is a significant moment for the airport, the people who rely on it for their employment, the local community, and, of course, the millions of passengers who use Gatwick every year.
“We want to be closely involved and consulted about any future proposals, and look forward to maintaining the involvement of senior directors of Gatwick Airport in GATCOM meetings
“As we are all aware, current government policy is that the development of a second runway at Gatwick is not a preferred solution to increasing airport capacity in the South East. That position is reinforced by the acceptance on all sides that the legal agreement between Gatwick and West Sussex County Council, which expires in 2019, precludes the building of a second runway.
“GATCOM has a strong interest – and a remit – in ensuring the airport is operated efficiently and effectively having particular regard to its impact on surrounding communities and the environment, and we look forward to working with the Gatwick management team to deliver that.”
GIP, which runs London City Airport, is reported to be planning ‘massive improvements to customer service’.
Peter Hall, Chairman of GATCOM’S Passenger Advisory Group, said: “When the sale was announced a GIP source said that it would upgrade and modernise Gatwick Airport to transform the experience for both business and leisure passengers. We look forward to hearing more about those plans and providing our input.
Dr Godfrey added: “Gatwick will be second only to Heathrow as a major gateway into the UK for the 2012 Olympic Games, so customer experience is going to be a very important issue for GIP.”
GATCOM Chairman welcomes the New Gatwick
Commenting on the news that BAA had sold London Gatwick Airport, the Chairman of GATCOM; Dr John Godfrey said his committee looked forward to working with the new owners Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP).
Dr Godfrey said:
“I welcome the news of the sale which will bring to an end a period of uncertainty for the company, its staff and business partners.
“As the statutory advisory committee for the airport, we look forward to working closely with GIP to see the ‘new’ Gatwick develop.”
“GATCOM has a good relationship with the Gatwick management team who are always keen to hear our views and thoughts about the operation of the Airport. As it happens, GATCOM’s Annual Tour of the Airport and our quarterly meeting take place tomorrow and we will hear first hand what the sale will mean”.
“As we are all aware, current government policy is that the development of a second runway at Gatwick is not a priority. That position is reinforced by the acceptance on all sides of the legal agreement between Gatwick and West Sussex County Council that means no new runway can be built before 2019.”
“GATCOM has a strong interest – and a remit – in ensuring the airport, is operated efficiently and effectively having particular regard to its impact on surrounding communities and the environment”.
GATCOM Members will sample the Airport Experience
Members of the Gatwick Airport Consultative Committee will be checking in for their annual tour of the international airport on Thursday, October 22.
One of the aims will be to look at the type of experience passengers are getting as they jet away on business or holiday. The tour takes place before the next full meeting of GATCOM.
GATCOM Chairman, Dr John Godfrey, said: “The annual tour is a good opportunity to sample the Gatwick experience at first hand and speak to some of the people who make the airport tick.
At the meeting GATCOM will hear that an independent report into aircraft arrivals procedures at Gatwick has found that the airport meets best practice in comparison with other international airports across Europe. They are also fully compliant with UK civil aviation requirements and legislation.
“The independent ‘Eurocontrol’ report was commissioned by the Department for Transport, and it is very welcome news that Gatwick has passed this very important ‘health check’ into its arrivals procedure.”
The GATCOM meeting is being held at the North Terminal Sofitel hotel from 2pm, and is open to the public.
Other items on the agenda include –
- An update on policing at the airport from Superintendent Jane Rhodes who is Commander of the Gatwick Division for Sussex Police.
- Considering a report from the Passenger Advisory Group, which includes concerns about the new Southern Trains franchise and replacement rolling stock for the Gatwick Express.
- A technical paper about the impact on Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty from flights to and from the airport.
Dr Godfrey also said: “We also hope to have an update on the Gatwick Station scheme and the amount of funding that will be available to upgrade Gatwick Station before the 2012 Olympic games.
“GATCOM is very anxious to see a full package that includes a new station concourse as well as major track and signalling improvements.
“This is a really vital scheme given that Gatwick will be second only to Heathrow as a major gateway into Britain for this showpiece event, and we want the passenger experience to be as welcoming and smooth as possible.
“It is not just important for the Olympics, but also for the longer term reputation of Gatwick as a major international airport.”
GATCOM fears over the Gatwick Express
The future of the Gatwick Express – the fast, dedicated service between the airport and London Victoria – will come under the spotlight again next week at a meeting of GATCOM.
Members of the Gatwick Airport Consultative Committee are expected to endorse a report that says ‘there is major concern that the quality and integrity’ of the service is again being threatened.
One of the agenda items is a debate on Network Rail’s draft Sussex Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS), currently out for public consultation with an August 21 deadline for comments.
The meeting is expected to endorse a report that says GATCOM will:
- “Support the retention of a dedicated, non-stop airport express service between Gatwick and London Victoria. This premium service is also of significant importance to the economy of the Gatwick Diamond by providing a dedicated fast link for business commuters, both for those making connecting air journeys, and for those business commuters requiring a fast link to London or to the Gatwick Diamond area.
- “Object to proposals involving the insertion of a stop at either Clapham Junction or East Croydon within any Gatwick Express service, as it is believed that this would further degrade the premium airport express service and further exacerbate crowding on peak hour Gatwick Express trains.”
GATCOM will also continue its efforts to ensure that the plans for the improvement of Gatwick Airport Station, which include a new platform, are delivered in time for the 2012 Olympic Games.
The GATCOM meeting, which is open to the public, is being held on Thursday July 23 at The Sofitel Hotel, North Terminal, Gatwick, from 2pm.
GATCOM Chairman, Dr John Godfrey, said: “There are aspects of the draft rail strategy that are welcome and will benefit Gatwick passengers and people working at the airport.
“However, there are also areas of concern and the future of the Gatwick Express is a prime example. Any further degrading of the service will have an impact on the ability of Gatwick Airport Limited to achieve its targets of encouraging passengers and staff to make greater use of the rail network and get cars off local roads.”
The meeting will also include a presentation by the UK Border Agency on a new business plan, its work at the airport and new technology. GATCOM is keen to ensure that passenger queuing times at passport control at Gatwick are kept to a minimum.
Dr Godfrey said: “There is a careful balance to be struck between security and the needs of passengers.
“We will be keen to hear about service standards for processing passengers, particularly at peak times, so that all the continuing work to improve the passenger experience at the airport does not suffer.”
Members will also be considering their response to the draft Noise Action Plan published by Gatwick Airport Limited.
Station Improvements on the GATCOM Agenda
GATCOM – the Gatwick Airport Consultative Committee – is due to hear about revised proposals to improve the airport’s railway station at its meeting this week.
Short and longer-term improvements to the forecourt of the South Terminal are also expected to be unveiled during a presentation at the meeting on Thursday, April 30.
Network Rail and Gatwick Airport Ltd will be presenting options for their joint plan to redevelop Gatwick railway station.
Gatwick Airport Ltd will also be updating the committee on its investment plans to improve the South Terminal forecourt and landside area to provide better access, space and a positive welcome for passengers.
Dr John Godfrey, Chairman of GATCOM, said: “There has been a great deal of speculation about what level of investment there will be for the station, and the badly needed improvement scheme for both the concourse as well as the track and signalling.
“Hopefully, we will learn much more during the presentation by Network Rail and Gatwick Airport Ltd.
“Gatwick will be a major gateway into Britain for the Olympics, and there has been strong support for a scheme that will provide visitors with a welcoming experience as well as improving services in the long term.”
A Noise Action Plan for the airport will also be discussed at the meeting prior to a major public consultation.
Defra – the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs – has asked all airport operators to produce a Noise Action Plan.
Gatwick Airport Ltd has to liaise with GATCOM over its draft plan before a public consultation takes place.
Dr Godfrey said: “The Government has said that the aim of the Noise Action Plan at all airports is to manage and reduce environmental noise where necessary, and maintain noise quality where it is good.
“This is obviously a major issue for people living close to Gatwick and its flight paths, and we will be working closely to ensure, as far as practicable, that a plan emerges from this process that meets the operational needs of the airport and its neighbours.”
The GATCOM meeting is being held at The Holiday Inn, Povey Cross Road, Horley, at 2pm and is open to the public.
Other agenda items include an update from Gatwick Airport Ltd Managing Director, Andy Flower.
GATCOM will also be discussing Department for Transport proposals to reform the way airports are regulated.
A report says giving passengers a bigger voice are welcome, but there are concerns about scrapping the Air Transport User’s Council and merging its role with Passenger Focus, the rail and bus consumer watchdog.
GATCOM is also looking for assurances about the future of its own Passenger Advisory Group.
GATCOM looks forward to the Olympics
January 2009
The impact of London 2012 on Gatwick and the airport station is on the agenda for the next meeting of GATCOM – the Gatwick Airport Consultative Committee.
The meeting on Thursday, January 29, will include a presentation by Danny Sloan, BAA’s Director of Planning for the Olympics, on the impact of the Games for the airport and the region.
It will include –
- The scale of the Olympics and the benefits to the airport.
- The implications for the airport station.
- The types of passengers likely to be using Gatwick together with the opportunities that exist for creating great first and last impressions.
Dr John Godfrey, Chairman of GATCOM, said: “Planning for the Olympics is a very important piece of work because Gatwick will be second only to Heathrow as a main gateway into the UK for London 2012.
“It is vitally important that visitors are able to travel to and from their various destinations as smoothly as possible, and I am sure there will be a great deal of interest in Mr Sloan’s presentation.”
The GATCOM meeting is taking place at The Holiday Inn, Povey Cross Road, Horley, from 2pm.
Members are also due to receive an update on the proposed improvements to Gatwick station, and Andy Flower, Managing Director of BAA Gatwick, will give an update on the process involved in the sale of Gatwick.
Also on the agenda will be a series of important environmental issues including BAA’s new noise complaints handling policy.
Detlef Golletz, Head of Transport and Infrastructure for the South East England Regional Development Agency (SEEDA), will also be at the meeting to give an overview of how the agency works with the airport.
SEEDA recently became a new GATCOM member organisation.
Dr Godfrey said: “GATCOM represents everyone with an interest in the airport, and we will also be receiving a report from our Passenger Advisory Group on its activities and recommendations for improvements.
“As always, the public are very welcome to attend and hear what is taking place in and around the airport.”
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Click here for a .pdf copy of the press release
‘Mind the Gap’
Statement from GATCOM - 14 November 2008
While we are pleased that the Office of the Rail Regulator (ORR) has decided to increase the funding for Gatwick railway station and the track remodelling scheme by £10 million, we are very concerned that this still falls far short of the £30 million estimated by Network Rail for its part of the preferred scheme.
This is a rare opportunity in which Gatwick Airport and Network Rail can work together to create a world-class facility at the UK's second gateway airport. The scheme was developed to create a unified transport interchange which will benefit travellers through the airport, staff and the local community as a whole.
We will continue to lobby the ORR and government to ensure that the right level of investment is released to redevelop the station to provide a seamless travel experience and to ensure that there is sufficient capacity for the growing travel needs of the airport and the whole Gatwick region.
Airport Sale under the spotlight at GATCOM
15/10/08
The Chief Executive of BAA, Colin Matthews, is expected to answer questions about the decision to sell off Gatwick when he attends a meeting tomorrow (Thursday) of the Gatwick Airport Consultative Committee.
It will be GATCOM’s first opportunity to discuss the sale, and members are expected to press for a series of safeguards.
Committee Chairman, Dr John Godfrey, said: “I think members will be very anxious to ensure that Gatwick is sold as a complete enterprise, and not just parts of the airport operation.
“I am sure that members will also want an assurance that any future owner will have the capability, credibility and financial resources to meet the needs of everyone with an interest in Gatwick, from the airlines to passengers as well as the local community.
“It will also be crucial that all the legal and planning agreements currently in force also transfer without change at the same time as the sale.”
Dr Godfrey said other items on the agenda for the meeting on Thursday, (October 16), at The Holiday Inn, Horley, would include ‘welcome news’ that there has been a big improvement in queuing times for security checks at Gatwick, thanks to extra staff and equipment.
Members will also discuss growing concerns that Network Rail will not receive the funding it needs to complete major track and signal improvements at Gatwick in time for the 2012 London Olympics.
ENDS
GATCOM
Page last modified: 14 October 2010