Robotic parking is said to offer drivers the benefits of valet parking, but without the need for them to surrender their keys. It started to be used at Lyon-Saint Exupéry airport in France this spring by VINCI Airports. An autonomous robot tows vehicles to their parking spaces and parks them closer together than usual.

Other initiatives put forward by Gatwick include an extension of one of its aircraft piers and a new 3250 space car park at the north terminal, along with an upgrade to the railway station which starts next spring.

Gatwick is also looking to introduce autonomous airside vehicles to tow aircraft to stands and ‘auto-dock’ bridges that do not require an operator to attach them to aircraft.

Chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “It’s great to see how automation and technology can further enhance the passenger experience. The plans explore ways we can grow capacity sustainably, including providing more space in our departure lounges.

“We have outlined our long term growth strategy in our final master plan and this Capital Investment Programme gives a more detailed view of our short term plans.”

Last month Gatwick published a master plan for growth, setting out its intention to bring an emergency runway into routine use. The airport says it is no longer actively pursuing plans for building an additional runway.

(Photograph: VINCI Airports)