Gatwick opens fast lane for arriving aircraft

LONDON - London Gatwick airport has completed an infrastructure project to help reduce delays and go-arounds. The new Rapid Exit Taxiway (RET) enables arriving aircraft to leave the main runway "at a more optimal location" after landing. The project has been completed after being put on hold through the pandemic.

The new RET, opened in February, was used by more than half (56%) of all arrivals in its first days of operation.

"Previously, some aircraft would narrowly miss the first taxiway to exit the runway, for example if they landed later than anticipated, weather conditions made braking more challenging, or they were flying with a heavier load than normal," the airport said. "This would result in the aircraft travelling slowly along the runway to the next taxiway exit, which could take an extra 20 seconds or more due to the distance."

By achieving a more efficient exit, the airport’s runway will perform more consistently, supporting all pilots but particularly those who are less familiar with London Gatwick. "More pilots are now able to take the first exit, and if they miss the first exit then the time to the second exit is much lower, meaning they are less likely to impact other aircraft," the airport said.

Air Traffic Controllers can "therefore be more confident in the performance of landing aircraft, reducing delays, the likelihood of go-arounds, and holding times for aircraft waiting to depart – all helping to limit emissions and noise".

RET Construction initially began in 2020. But following a pause to the initiative during the height of Covid-19, the project was reviewed, resulting in a redesign reducing construction carbon emissions from the original plan by more than 10% - the equivalent of a petrol car driving more than 1.3million miles.