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Remembering Damian Lewis on the Gatwick Express – May 14, 2019

Gatwick Express Celebrating 35th Birthday

by Joshua Powling | Crawley Observer | May 14, 2019

The team at Gatwick Express is marking 35 years of operation with a number of birthday celebrations with passengers, staff and airport partners today, Tuesday, May 14.

The Gatwick Express came into full service on May 14, 1984, transporting passengers from London Victoria to Gatwick Airport. The service was initially formed of Class 73 trains with specially modified coaches to carry passenger luggage.

Since its launch, Gatwick Express has evolved: in 2007 the service was extended to and from Brighton, became part of the UK’s biggest rail franchise Govia Thameslink Railway in 2015, and saw a £145m fleet renewal programme in 2016.

At London Victoria this morning the team surprised passengers with limited edition organic tote bags with a string quartet serenading arrivals.

Members of staff are marking the birthday by sharing some of their favourite memories of the Gatwick Express, including a number of celebrity spots.

Simone Forzani, customer service host, said: “So many famous people have passed through our gates: Richard Branson’s been here and I’ve seen David Cameron twice. But the one who made me swoon was Damian Lewis. He was carrying loads of bags and was struggling to get through the gateline. I offered to help but he couldn’t speak because he had his ticket in his mouth, poor man.

“So I took it from him, popped it through the gate and let him through. Everyone was staring at us. He was so grateful for my help and then Damian Lewis turned around and smiled – at me.”

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