Businesses urge government to support London Gatwick’s expansion plans in drive for growth
- More than 150 business groups representing 105,000 members have publicly endorsed London Gatwick’s expansion plans.
- Letter to government says, “Without robust aviation links, London risks losing its competitive edge on the international stage.”
- The Northen Runway plan would create a further 14,000 jobs and generate £1 billion in economic benefits every year.
The Government has been urged by 174 groups representing at least 104,875 businesses to support London Gatwick’s Northern Runway plans.
London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and economic partnership Gatwick Diamond Initiative have separately written, on behalf of their members and stakeholders, to Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander to endorse London Gatwick’s growth plans.
They highlight how the airport’s plans to bring its Northern Runway into routine use closely align with Labour’s ambition to unlock growth, boost the economy and create jobs.
The Northern Runway, currently a backup, could be made operational as a second permanent runway. The project represents a £2.2 billion shovel-ready privately financed investment which could be operational by the end of the decade.
The Planning Inspectorate has delivered its recommendation with the Government due to make a decision early next year. If approved, the Northern Runway plan will create a further 14,000 jobs and generate £1 billion in economic benefits every year.
Brett North, Chair of the Gatwick Diamond Initiative, said: “We are pleased that even more business groups and their members have confirmed their support for this crucial infrastructure project. But we aren’t surprised. London Gatwick’s Northern Runway is a vital step for the South East economy and beyond. It will drive growth, create jobs, and ensure the region remains competitive. This investment reflects London Gatwick’s dedication to strengthening local and national economic resilience.
“The initiative also aligns with the UK Labour Party’s manifesto commitments to economic growth and collaboration with businesses, alongside the Government’s support for airport expansions that balance economic and environmental objectives. Better still, there is no burden on the taxpayer.”
Karim Fatehi MBE, Chief Executive, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), said: “London’s status as the world’s pre-eminent global city for business, tourism and trade is heavily reliant on the strength of the capital’s transport network. The aviation sector is vital to both London and the UK’s economy as it enables the flow of people, trade, and investment, across the entire country. Without robust aviation links, London risks losing its competitive edge on the international stage.”
NOTES
According to data from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, four in five London business decision-makers agree that air connectivity is important to London’s global competitiveness (83%), international trade (82%), the London economy overall (82%) and building and maintaining international business connections (79%).
With 41 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%.
The world’s leading private airport operator, VINCI Airports operates more than 70 airports in 14 countries. Thanks to its expertise as a global integrator, VINCI Airports develops, finances, builds and manages airports by providing its investment capacity and its know-how in optimizing operational performance, modernizing infrastructure and managing their operations and environmental transition. VINCI Airports is the first airport operator to have committed to an international environmental strategy in 2016, to achieve the goal of net zero emissions across its entire network by 2050.
For more information:
Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) is a leading infrastructure investor that specializes in investing in, owning and operating some of the largest and most complex assets across the energy, transport, digital infrastructure and water and waste management sectors. With decarbonization central to our investment thesis, we are well positioned to support the global energy transition. Headquartered in New York, GIP has offices in Brisbane, Dallas, Hong Kong, London, Melbourne, Mumbai, Singapore, Stamford and Sydney.
GIP has approximately $115 billion in assets under management. Our portfolio companies have combined annual revenues of approximately $71 billion and employ over 116,000 people. We believe that our focus on real infrastructure assets, combined with our deep proprietary origination network and comprehensive operational expertise, enables us to be responsible stewards of our investors' capital and to create positive economic impact for communities. For more information, visit www.global-infra.com.
