Construction work is set to start this summer.
The cable car is planned to carry up to 2,500 people an hour between Greenwich Peninsular and the Royal Victoria Docks. Passengers will travel in one of 34 gondolas at a height of 50m. The 1.1km journey should take five minutes.
Working with Mace on building and operating the project will be Austrian cable car specialist Dopplemayr, Watson Steel, URS Scott Wilson, Buro Happold and Aedas.
The aim is to have the cable car up and running before the 2012 Olympics.
The cable car has been designed by Wilkinson Eyre, architect of the Millennium Wheel.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson, said: “'Gliding serenely through the air across the Thames will provide a truly sublime, bird's eye view of our wonderful city. This innovative airborne travel link will be a vital component in the ongoing renaissance of a vibrant easterly quarter of the capital, providing a much-needed river crossing.
“I am thrilled we are full steam ahead to start work on this project following the confirmation of a world-class consortium to deliver this brand new icon.”
Mark Reynolds, deputy chief executive of Mace, said: “This will be an incredibly exciting new river crossing for London and we are really proud to be involved. London's cable car project is an awe-inspiring addition to our London portfolio of work.”
Transport for London also announced the start of a competitive process for commercial partners who want to invest in the scheme in return for the rights to associated commercial sponsorship opportunities, including naming rights and branding options.
The winning bidder is expected to be announced later this year. In the interim, to aid the quick delivery of this important new transport link TfL will provide upfront funding for the cable car. It plans to recoup its costs from a range of sources including the appointed commercial partner, fare revenue and sponsorship.
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