We work within a local, national and European legal framework, which iguides the way we manage air quality. The government published its National Air Quality Strategy in 2000. This sets out the air quality issues facing the UK, targets the government has set and policies in place to achieve these targets. The strategy is designed to implement the requirements of the European Air Quality Framework Directives.

Local planning authorities have a duty to review and assess air quality in their area. If it is likely that an air quality limit could be breached when it comes into effect in 2010, they have to declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). The authority then has to produce an action plan, saying how they plan to meet the target. One of Reigate and Banstead Borough Council’s AQMAs is in the area of south-west Horley where there is a risk of breach of the 2010 nitrogen dioxide limit of 40µg/m3. The airport is a contributor to emissions in this area, so we work closely with the local authority on this issue. 

Our approach

We take all reasonable steps to understand and manage the emissions from airport activities that might affect air quality.

Gatwick’s air quality assessment includes permanent monitoring, modelling, forecasting and emissions inventories. We have permanent on-site monitoring which has been in place since 1993. We also provide support for Reigate and Banstead Borough Council in their air quality monitoring at the two permanent receptor sites in south-west Horley.

Management controls, such as financial incentives - an element of landing charges is based on engine emission certification - are in place, and we work through BAA and airport groups such as ACI (Airports Council International) to influence the development of future international emissions standards.

Data and joint working is used to inform more practical controls, such as restricting the age of vehicles on site and setting requirements for engine testing. We provide fixed electrical ground power so that aircraft can use electricity while on the stand to provide air conditioning and lighting, instead of using aircraft auxiliary power units or diesel ground power units. This reduces both emissions and noise. We also work on other operational controls such as the way aircraft are manoeuvred on the airport, and how activity is managed on the stand.

Our performance 
Our plans