Representation by Norse Atlantic Airways (Norse Atlantic Airways)
- Date submitted
- 25 October 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Gatwick Airport, one of the busiest airports in the United Kingdom, has faced constraints due to its limited runway capacity, leading to congestion and delays for both airlines and passengers. Recognising the need for additional capacity, the proposal to expand the airport's existing Northern Runway could significantly benefit customers and airlines, including Norse Atlantic Airways. The Current Challenges at Gatwick Airport: Gatwick Airport has experienced significant growth in passenger numbers over the years, making it the second busiest airport in the UK. This surge in passenger traffic has resulted in increased congestion and delays, particularly during peak hours. The airport's existing single runway, operating at its maximum capacity, has led to a situation where Gatwick's ability to accommodate new airlines and routes is limited. This constraint has hindered the airport's potential for growth and the services that it can provide to the local catchment area and as a hub connecting short haul and long haul traffic. Benefits of Expanding Gatwick's Northern Runway Norse Atlantic Airways is a transatlantic airline that provides a low-cost, high-quality service primarily between Europe and North America. For Norse Atlantic Airways, the expansion of Gatwick's Northern Runway offers several compelling benefits: 1. Enhanced Route Expansion: With increased runway capacity, Norse Atlantic Airways can expand its network and offer more routes to and from Gatwick. This means more choices for passengers and a greater level of competition that ultimately benefits the consumer. 2. Improved Punctuality: Gatwick's capacity constraints have often resulted in delays and disrupted schedules. The runway expansion can help Norse Atlantic Airways and other airlines improve on-time performance, enhancing the travel experience and customer satisfaction. With a dual-runway operation, congestion at the airport would decrease, leading to shorter taxi times, quicker turnarounds, and reduced holding patterns in the sky. This translates to fewer delays and smoother operations for all while lowering idle time engine emissions. 3. Enhanced Connectivity: Norse Atlantic Airways aims to connect Europe and North America efficiently. The expanded Gatwick Airport would be strategically positioned to facilitate this goal. The airport's extensive network of existing routes, coupled with the convenience of a second runway, would create a more robust and interconnected travel hub. Passengers would have more options when it comes to their travel destinations, and the competition among airlines would likely result in better pricing and services to the benefit of consumers. 4. Economic Impact: The expansion of Gatwick Airport would have far-reaching economic benefits. It would create job opportunities during the construction phase and subsequently in the airport's operations. The increased capacity would bring a greater number of tourists to the wider South East area while also increasing the business traffic connecting on to the well-established high speed rail links from the airport to London. 5. Environmental Considerations: The airport has openly committed to reaching net zero for direct carbon emissions before 2040 and this expansion project can facilitate this goal by incorporating sustainable practices and technologies. This commitment to sustainability aligns with Norse Atlantic Airways' aim to provide environmentally friendly travel options. With this shared focus, the airport and the airline can work together to minimize their environmental impact. The proposal to expand Gatwick Airport's Northern Runway will benefit Norse Atlantic Airways and all airlines operating at the airport. By addressing the longstanding capacity constraints, this project has the potential to transform Gatwick into a more competitive, efficient, and passenger-friendly hub. The long-term benefits of expanded capacity, reducing delays, and improving connectivity make this an opportunity that must be seized. Expanding Gatwick's Northern Runway is not just about the success of one airline; it is about the advancement of the entire aviation industry in the United Kingdom and providing a viable secondary hub that can actively compete with European alternatives to ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of the industry.