This Is Guernsey

By Zoe Ash

GATWICK passengers are set to benefit from a more competitive service following the takeover of the London airport.

Local airlines yesterday gave a cautious welcome after BAA agreed to sell for £1.51bn the UK’s second-busiest airport to Global Infrastructure Partners, which already owns London City Airport.

Spokesman for the investment fund, Stephen Hardwick, said that while the owner of the airport would be different, day-to-day service for Channel Island passengers would not change.

‘There are changes we want to make but they are down to improving operational functions and customer services.

‘I cannot see there is any desire to reduce the service with Guernsey.

‘We will be looking to grow the airport and there is certainly room to do that.’

Flybe’s chief commercial officer Mike Rutter said the airport played a crucial role in connecting the UK regions to the capital. ‘Over the years, the airport’s mission has changed and this sale represents a real opportunity for the new owners to strengthen Gatwick’s position as the champion of short-haul and European flying.’

Mr Rutter said GIP would be making a fatal mistake if it tried to chase ‘trophy airlines’ that promised glamorous long-haul destinations.

‘That’s not the future – Gatwick’s growth lies with efficient, environmentally-sensitive, well-managed and stable airlines like Flybe,’ he said.

BAA, which owns seven UK airports, was ordered to sell Gatwick following an inquiry that found customers were suffering from a lack of competition between airports.

‘Everyone knows that BAA’s charges were some of the most expensive in the industry and Flybe looks forward to Gatwick shedding that reputation and engaging early with its major customers to create a sustainable, economically-realistic future,’ said Mr Rutter.

Aurigny commercial director Malcolm Coupar said Gatwick had been part of the BAA monopoly of major London airports for too long, which had led to a lack of investment in facilities.

‘New ownership will create competition and the need to make Gatwick more appealing relative to the alternative London airports. GIP owns London City Airport, which is renowned for its ‘passenger experience’, and we hope some of that will be applied to Gatwick.’

He also called for airlines and airports to work together.

‘That was not something the current owners were interested in,’ said Mr Coupar.

BAA has also been ordered to sell Stansted and either Glasgow or Edinburgh but is appealing that decision.

At the beginning of the year, BAA’s annual profits had fallen by 18.4%. It reported a profit of £582m. before tax and interest, down from £713m. in 2007.

Article posted on 22nd October, 2009 - 11.30am