Jacobs to Support London Gatwick’s Capital Investment Program

London Gatwick has appointed Jacobs, alongside other consultants, to its new design services framework to support the airport’s capital investment program focused on increasing capacity, improving the passenger experience, and strengthening operational efficiency and resiliency as the airport continues to grow. 

The framework will enable faster deployment of design services with pre-agreed terms and conditions across the airport including architectural, engineering, structural and fire engineering design requirements. 

We will support an extensive program of operational improvements and asset replacement. The projects include retail reconfigurations, taxiway rehabilitations, surface access and forecourt management and property upgrades. The projects will refresh the look and feel of the airport for passengers while increasing resilience and efficiency.

“We are delighted to further our work with London Gatwick and support these capital investment priorities to enhance passenger experience and advance airport operational efficiency, resiliency and sustainability,” says Jacobs Executive Vice President Kate Kenny. "Productivity is more important than ever for airports; we integrate our global aviation insights and digital tools into the design process to optimize project delivery.”

London Gatwick Capital Programmes Director Alasdair Scobie says: ““This refreshed design framework is a key enabler for delivering London Gatwick’s ambitious capital investment plan, ensuring high quality design incorporating more sustainable solutions delivered through a capable and competitive supply chain. 

“This framework is the first step in the construction supply chain strategy to onboard highly skilled and capable designers, consultants, and contractors to support our capital investment program. 

“This is a crucial time for the airport as we continue to grow. We warmly welcome the successful suppliers who have been awarded contracts at the airport and look forward to collaborating with them to achieve our vision to be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey."

Safety, security and environmental standards are central to the framework and support London Gatwick’s sustainability program, Decade of Change. The framework will support the airport's goal for a minimum of 10% of London Gatwick’s total spend to be with local suppliers and a minimum of 25% total spend with regional suppliers. Suppliers are also required to demonstrate their commitment to the airport’s sustainability goals, by driving lower carbon design solutions across the pipeline of projects, supported by quarterly sustainability forums to foster collaboration and continuous improvement. 

With 43 million annual passengers, London Gatwick is the U.K.’s second largest and one of Europe’s top ten airports. It is a vital piece of national infrastructure that drives both the national and regional economies by generating £5.5 billion ($7BN) Gross Value Added and supporting more than 76,000 jobs (2023). Almost 60 airlines fly from the airport to more than 150 short-haul and 50+ long-haul destinations. With a declared capacity of 55 movements an hour, London Gatwick is the most efficient single runway airport in the world. 

A six-year, £2 billion ($2.5BN) sustainable growth program includes an ambitious plan to be a net zero airport by 2030 and to increase capacity by bringing the airport’s existing Northern Runway into routine use, alongside its Main Runway. 

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