Representation by TAP Air Portugal (TAP Air Portugal)
- Date submitted
- 27 October 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
TAP Air Portugal would like to show their support to the Gatwick's Northern Runway Project. For TAP, LGW Airport is already really valuable to our operation, as we have more than 25 weekly frequencies during the Summer season with a slight decrease to 22 weekly frequencies in Winter. We are also noticing that the performances are improving from both Lisbon and Oporto hubs during the last seasons. This project will not only allow for the current operation to be more stable, efficient and resilient, but it will also allow to improve the product offered to our clients, increasing the attractiveness of such flights. Considering the current operation, we have seen growth in pax volume, route profitability and also in the connecting passengers percentage from/to LGW through our worldwide network. Since we are a HUB and spoke carrier, we value greatly these connecting passengers and LGW operation. This data, if sustained and/or increased, through best usage of the existing infrastructure, improvements to the airfield, terminal facilities and access arrangements into the airport, shown in this project, resulting in better LGW Airport performances, will also allow for a potential expansion plan as we can consider some frequency increases onto LGW. This airport for us is not only a really good counterpart to LHR, but it can also be a good alternative to it, as LHR has already been showing signs of congestion. Since we are very constrained both at slot and capacity levels in LHR, it is good to have possibilities to grow our presence in London not only with frequency increases but also with equipment upgauges, due to TAP’s fleet renewal plan onto bigger aircrafts, and to improve even further our existing schedule, using our presence in London, even considering one night operation in the medium to long term. As London is one of our main feeders and one of our main European markets, our possibilities for growth would be concentrated in LGW, with a prospect of returning to the maximum historical market presence achieved in pre pandemic times. With this potential operation increase, the passenger experience would be of the upmost importance and the mentioned Airport improvements would not only comply to their expectations as it would also enhance the catchment area of the LGW airport, benefiting both Airport and Airlines. This also feels as a good timely opportunity for LGW to expand.