Unveiling the plan, owners Global Infrastructure Partners, said the upgrade will be rolled out over the next two years, delivering modern facilities for passengers at every step of their journey through Gatwick.

Much of the change is cosmetic and aimed at finally ridding the airport of its state-owned Seventies heritage

The first fruits of the programme will be unveiled next month with the opening of a £35 million shuttle service between the terminals.

In addition, the North Terminal will undergo a multimillion-pound extension and the check-in area will see a rise in the number of self-service facilities available.

In the push to win business from BAA, the operator has created a new image and slogan: “Your London airport.”

The airport hopes to increase passenger figures from 33m to more than 40m by 2018.