Opening of New High-Tech Gatwick 'Home'

British Airways is officially opening its new high-tech Gatwick home with millions of customers set to benefit from the improved facilities.

The new £73 million extension to Gatwick's North Terminal will be opened by British Airways' chief executive Keith Williams and Stewart Wingate who is Gatwick Airport's chief executive.

The state-of-the-art building, which will be home to all British Airways flights at Gatwick, is designed to give customers more control of their journey, as well as providing an innovative travelling experience using the most advanced technology and a new approach to customer service.

Built on time and on budget by airport operator Gatwick Airport Limited, the British Airways terminal extension allows passengers to do more for themselves, from checking-in and choosing seats to printing their own bag tags.

Every aspect of the travel experience has been carefully considered to make the customer experience quick, smooth, simple and stress-free.

British Airways customer service staff will be on hand to greet customers and offer any help to use the self service kiosks and baggage podiums. For customers who need additional support there are dedicated care desks. There is also a designated customer service area for premium passengers.

Over four and a half million passengers fly on British Airways flights to and from Gatwick every year to 45 domestic, European and long haul destinations.

Silla Maizey, British Airways managing director Gatwick, said: "We have a fantastic new home, which is spacious, bright and airy and which has technology that gives passengers the quickest and easiest journey possible through the airport.

"We know that many of our customers appreciate the opportunity to do more for themselves, like self service check-in, choosing seats and printing their own boarding cards - and for the first time British Airways passengers will be able to print their own bag tags. We're giving them the freedom to be in control, but with the knowledge that our customer service staff will be on hand if they need them."

Stewart Wingate, Gatwick Airport chief executive, said: "Our £1.2 billion investment programme to transform the airport experience for passengers, reducing queues and delivering a smoother check-in experience with more self-service options has been one of our key priorities.

"The new British Airways check-in area, which is part of our £73 million investment to extend the North Terminal arrivals area, is a fantastic example of innovation and is evidence that they, like Gatwick, are putting the emphasis on delivering excellent customer-service for the passenger."

(Source: travmedia.com)