The deal is part of a £30m redevelopment of the terminal, started last June which is due to be completed by March 2012, in time for the London Olympics.

The contractor will build a new coach waiting area, ticket booths and a new road system.

Gatwick’s director of capital projects, Raymond Melee said: “This is one of our key strategic projects within our near £1bn investment programme, which will improve our service to passengers.

“We’re excited about these great new facilities for South Terminal and hope the Department for Transport gives the go ahead to the planned £53 million investment in the GatwickAirport rail station.”