Gatwick Airport has launched an automated valet parking service utilizing robotic technology for passengers departing on trips of at least five days. The system requires passengers to drive to a designated garage near the South Terminal, scan a QR code, and park in a personal 'parking suite.' A robotic vehicle then retrieves the car and transports it to an outdoor parking space.
Upon a passenger's return, the system is alerted, and the vehicle is expected to be ready for collection by the time they have cleared passport control and baggage claim. The service costs approximately £109 for a five-day period and operates weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Gatwick is considering expanding the service to weekends and has arrangements for out-of-hours car collection in case of passenger flight delays.
The new automated system was unveiled shortly after an air traffic control technical failure caused significant travel disruptions at Gatwick and other airports. This incident led to the cancellation of numerous flights across the UK.
Certain vehicles are incompatible with the robotic parking service, accounting for about five percent of cars. Examples include the Range Rover Sport Hybrid, Renault Trafic Van, sports cars with low underbody clearance, and SUVs equipped with roof boxes. Passengers are advised to check compatibility before booking.
Oli Bedford, Head of Airport Access, Marketing and Commercial Products at Gatwick, described the technology as a "game changer," emphasizing its speed, ease of use, and the added benefit of passengers retaining their car keys for peace of mind. The electronic valet service is a collaboration with Stanley Robotics. Clément Boussard, CEO of Stanley Robotics, stated that the partnership aims to address parking capacity challenges and support Gatwick's anticipated growth, marking a significant milestone for Stanley Robotics in the UK.
The introduction of the robotic parking service follows a recent large fire at a third-party car park near Gatwick that destroyed approximately 140 vehicles. Separately, a major technical failure in the UK's air traffic control system on a Tuesday and Wednesday impacted around 2,000 flights. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has reportedly ordered an independent investigation into the NATS system failure.