Take off for Glendale’s new Gatwick contract

National green services provider Glendale has begun a four-year contract to deliver grounds maintenance at Gatwick Airport.

The company will carry out work including grass cutting, shrub bed maintenance, weed control, woodland management and meadow conservation at the world’s busiest single-use runway airport.

Glendale will manage approximately 141 hectares of airside grassland between runways, taxiways, aprons and paved surfaces at Gatwick, where over 40 million people pass through the terminals every year.

The contract requires a team of specialists to adhere to strict guidelines established by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in relation to airside grass, as well as complying with wildlife hazard management rules, and has created 10 permanent jobs.

Glendale has experience in delivering services to large airports, having carried out work at Gatwick Airport previously, as well as at Heathrow, Stansted and Southampton.

Jon Eglin, contract manager at Glendale, said: “As this is a contract in which Glendale has previous experience, it means there’s existing knowledge of the site and surrounding area, as well as the specialist skills required to ensure the highest standards are met.

“An airport is often people’s first impression of a country or region, so it’s essential to ensure it remains looking its very best. There’s also the hugely important aspect of making sure all areas are correctly maintained to prevent birds and wildlife causing potential danger and disruption to the smooth day-to-day running of the airport.”

One of Glendale’s first tasks has been to create a welcome sign from bedding plants on the airport’s north terminal roundabout.