The extension will add a further eight aircraft gates to the existing passenger building, which previously was built with 11 gates connected by the elevated airbridge built by Mace back in 2005.

When complete in 2027, the new gates adjacent to the airport’s runways will enable seven and a half million passengers to alight and depart directly onto aircraft each year, saving 12,000 bus journeys a year.

Enabling works are being carried out by contractor PJ Hegarty ahead of Mace starting main building work.

Fresh design revisions to the Pier 6 extension have reduced the width of the building , while relocating a service road facilitated a two-storey building, rather than three.

These changes will deliver 40% saving in embodied carbon, by moving to a hybrid steel and timber frame structure, re-designing ventilation systems to use less ductwork and plant, and changing finishes will deliver another 20% saving.

Nigel Cole, Managing Director, Infrastructure, Mace Construct, said: “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.”

Cedric Laurier, Chief Technical Officer, London Gatwick said: “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.

The project forms part of an ambitious programme to develop and grow the airport, as London Gatwick stands ready to deliver its Northern Runway plans following the announcement that the Government is ‘minded to approve’ the project.