Irizar e-mobility will exhibit one of the 14 fully electric buses ordered by London Gatwick Airport at Euro Bus Expo 2026, ahead of the vehicles entering service at the airport at the end of November.
The vehicle on display will be delivered directly to London Gatwick from the exhibition, marking an important milestone in the introduction of the airport’s new electric bus fleet.
Irizar e-mobility has signed a contract with London Gatwick Airport, owned and managed by VINCI Airports and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), to supply 14 fully electric buses. All 18.7 metres long, the vehicles will connect passengers travelling from the airport’s long-stay car parks to its terminals.
The model selected is the Irizar ie tram, an iconic vehicle in the company’s range, distinguished by its futuristic, minimalist design and tram-inspired styling. Combining high passenger capacity with easy access, the vehicles will also feature interior luggage racks to enhance passenger comfort and functionality.
The Irizar ie trams will be powered by Irizar batteries and charged using an ultra-fast pantograph system, capable of delivering a full charge in less than six minutes.
To further enhance safety, the buses will be equipped with digital vision cameras, significantly improving front, side and rear visibility.
The order represents another important milestone in Irizar e-mobility’s expansion in the United Kingdom, where more than 50 Irizar electric buses are already operating in several cities.
Visitors to Euro Bus Expo 2026 will have the opportunity to experience the technology, design and passenger-focused features of the Irizar ie tram ahead of its deployment at London Gatwick. Following the exhibition, the vehicle will be delivered directly to the airport, with the new electric bus fleet scheduled to enter service at the end of November.
About London Gatwick
With 43 million annual passengers, London Gatwick is the UK’s second largest and one of Europe’s top ten airports. It is a vital piece of national infrastructure that drives both the national and regional economies by generating £5.5 billion GVA and supporting over 76,000 jobs (2023). Almost 60 airlines fly from the airport to over 150 short-haul and more than 50 long-haul destinations. With a declared capacity of 55 movements an hour, London Gatwick is the most efficient single runway airport in the world.
The airport is located 28 miles south of the UK capital and is extremely well-connected, with more than a quarter of England’s population (15 million people) – including all of London – less than one hour away by road or rail. A six-year, £2 billion sustainable growth programme includes an ambitious plan to be a net zero airport by 2030 and to increase capacity by bringing the airport’s existing Northern Runway into routine use, alongside its Main Runway. Vinci Airports owns a 50.01% stake in the airport, with Global Infrastructure Partners managing the remaining 49.99%.