Gatwick’s Pier 6 Expansion Boosts Procurement and Logistics

London Gatwick has appointed construction company Mace to lead the expansion of its Pier 6, a key project that will improve airport logistics, enhance procurement sustainability and support economic growth.

Scheduled for completion by 2027, the £140m (Approx US$181m) development will introduce eight new aircraft gates, allowing 7.5 million passengers to board flights directly each year.

By eliminating the need for more than 12,000 annual bus journeys that previously transported passengers to remote stands, the expansion will cut fuel consumption and emissions, aligning with London Gatwick’s broader sustainability goals.

The project is integral to the airport’s Northern Runway expansion and will strengthen the construction and aviation supply chain.

Cédric Laurier, Chief Technical Officer at London Gatwick, highlights the complexity of the project: “This build is complex as it’s right in the heart of our airfield, but we’re experienced in delivering major projects in challenging environments at London Gatwick.

“The partnership and experience from Mace will be invaluable. Our teams are already working side-by-side to deliver what we think is a cutting-edge design for an airport building in terms of embodied carbon savings. 

“Once complete, more than seven million passengers will have a seamless airport experience, and our airlines will benefit from improved airfield efficiency as the extended pier is located conveniently beside the airport’s runway.”

London Gatwick’s expansion and its supply chain impact

The Northern Runway project aims to upgrade London Gatwick’s standby runway for regular use, boosting efficiency and reinforcing the UK’s position in global aviation.

This £2.2bn (Approx US$2.8bn) privately funded initiative is projected to generate £1bn (Approx US$1.2bn) annually for the economy and create 14,000 jobs across the UK supply chain.

The government has signalled its approval, with the Secretary of State for Transport issuing a ‘minded to approve’ letter in February 2025.

Stewart Wingate, CEO at London Gatwick, embraced this news: “We welcome today’s announcement that the Secretary of State for Transport is minded to approve our Northern Runway plans and has outlined a clear pathway to full approval later in the year.  

“It is vital that any planning conditions attached to the final approval enable us to make a decision to invest £2.2bn in this project and realise the full benefits of bringing the Northern Runway into routine use. We will, of course, engage fully in the extended process for a final decision. 

"We stand ready to deliver this project which will create 14,000 jobs and generate £1bn a year in economic benefits. By increasing resilience and capacity we can support the UK’s position as a leader in global connectivity and deliver substantial trade and economic growth in the South East and more broadly. We have also outlined to government how we plan to grow responsibly to meet increasing passenger demand, while minimising noise and environmental impacts.”

The Pier 6 extension plays a crucial role in supporting this expansion by improving passenger experience, streamlining aircraft operations and reinforcing the airport’s logistics network.

The addition of new gates will reduce aircraft taxiing distances, minimising delays and enhancing airside efficiency.

From a procurement perspective, the development aligns with sustainable sourcing strategies, ensuring construction materials and methods adhere to environmental targets.

Mace’s involvement in this large-scale infrastructure project reflects its experience in complex airport logistics, having previously delivered the original Pier 6 and its landmark airbridge in 2005.

Sustainability and efficiency in procurement and logistics

Sustainability is central to London Gatwick’s expansion strategy, with the Pier 6 project set to meet high environmental standards.

The airport’s Decade of Change initiative targets 60% of all journeys to and from the airport being ultra-low or zero emissions by 2030.

Sustainable procurement decisions have been key in shaping the project’s design, ensuring it aligns with BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and ‘Outstanding’ ratings for energy and water efficiency. Several design modifications have been made to reduce environmental impact, including:

• A hybrid steel and timber frame structure
• A two-storey design instead of three
• A reduced building width
• Redesigned ventilation systems requiring less ductwork

These changes contribute to an estimated 40% reduction in embodied carbon, with additional material refinements expected to cut another 20%.

By reducing the need for bus transfers, the project also limits airside emissions, further supporting long-term sustainable growth.

Nigel Cole, Managing Director, Infrastructure, Mace Construct, underscores the project’s benefits: “Using the latest sustainable construction techniques, this extension project will add much-needed capacity to London Gatwick and benefit not just the wider economy but also the local community.”

“Having built the original Pier 6 and link bridge, we know that working in a busy operating environment takes thorough planning and specialist experience, and this latest appointment sits alongside our existing projects within the baggage halls to provide new employment opportunities throughout the supply chain.

"This will include work experience placements, apprenticeships, and roles for local people not in education, employment or training.”

Future-proofing aviation logistics and procurement

The Pier 6 expansion is a significant step towards future-proofing London Gatwick’s aviation logistics.

By improving passenger movement, baggage handling and aircraft turnaround times, the project will enhance airport efficiency while maintaining sustainability commitments.

In addition to increasing capacity, the development strengthens procurement sustainability by encouraging supply chain partners to adopt greener materials and more efficient construction methods.

The shift to a hybrid steel and timber frame structure, for example, signals a move toward lower-carbon alternatives in aviation infrastructure projects.

The impact of this expansion extends beyond London Gatwick, setting a precedent for integrating sustainable procurement, efficient logistics and aviation growth strategies.

By ensuring that procurement choices align with environmental goals, the project supports not just airport expansion but also long-term sustainability within the aviation industry.

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