Over 4,000 training hours have been logged by Gatwick Airport staff as they gear up for challenging winter weather conditions.
The airport, which serves as London’s second-largest international gateway, has trained approximately 200 volunteers. Dubbed ‘Polar Bears,’ these personnel will handle the London airport’s winter equipment fleet.
Preparation for Winter Airport Operations
These volunteers, mainly from Security and Passenger Operations, have learned to operate snow ploughs, tractors, and other specialized vehicles.
Recent training sessions focused on snow and ice removal techniques, following the airport’s comprehensive weather response strategy. This training ensures the airport’s two runways – the main runway and the northern runway – can remain operational during adverse conditions.
Mark Johnston, Chief Operating Officer at Gatwick, explains the situation. “Our winter preparations begin immediately after the previous season ends. Passenger and staff safety remains our top priority, alongside ensuring smooth airport operations.”
“We thoroughly practice our procedures to ensure excellence. While weather remains unpredictable, we’ve developed detailed plans to handle severe conditions effectively. This helps us maintain operations and keep holiday travel running – especially during the festive season.”
Yetis and Polar Bears
Beyond the ‘Polar Bears,’ Gatwick has implemented additional winter measures. ‘Yetis’ – the airport’s landside volunteers – stand ready to treat 27 miles of roads, parking areas, and bus routes with grit. This extensive network supports the airport’s five terminals, which handle over 46 million passengers annually.
The airport’s winter resources include:
- 70 tonnes of grit
- 350,000 litres of liquid de-icer
- 25,000kg of solid de-icer
- 80 specialized winter vehicles, including snow cutters, gritters, and articulated clearing equipment
These preparations support Gatwick’s winter flight schedule to over 220 global destinations. New routes include British Airways services to Bangkok and Islamabad, plus short-haul flights to Luxor (TUI and easyJet), Evenes (Norwegian), and Brest (Volotea).
Gatwick Airport Snow Business
Gatwick Airport, which opened in 1958, continues to expand its capabilities and infrastructure. The airport employs over 24,000 staff across its various operations and contributes significantly to the UK’s aviation sector.
Its dedicated winter preparation program demonstrates the airport’s commitment to maintaining its position as a key international transport hub.
The airport’s winter readiness extends beyond equipment and training. Gatwick maintains close partnerships with meteorological services for accurate weather forecasting. It also collaborates closely with airlines to minimize disruptions during adverse conditions.
The airport’s advanced snow and ice monitoring systems provide real-time updates on surface conditions. This allows teams to respond promptly to changing weather situations.
As part of its sustainable development goals, Gatwick ensures all de-icing materials meet strict environmental standards, and runoff is carefully managed to protect local waterways. This commitment to environmental responsibility aligns with the airport’s broader sustainability initiatives.
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