London Gatwick has partnered with the Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology (IoT) in a collaboration between businesses and education providers to deliver technical skills and qualifications required in the region

By partnering with the Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology, which launched earlier this academic year (2023-24), students will gain first-hand airport experience, network with professionals and learn about the latest technical developments across London Gatwick.

London Gatwick has helped shape the curriculum to ensure the courses are relevant and responsive to the needs of the local economy. Specialist staff at the airport will also host masterclass sessions for students and hold mock interview sessions and feedback.   

The Institute of Technology differs from colleges and universities by bringing together businesses with a group of education providers in a collaborative partnership to support the technical skills requirements of the area they serve. The aim is to create a diverse and skilled pipeline of local talent which is critical to the local community and London Gatwick’s future growth.  

London Gatwick’s Cyber Security Apprentice, Malaika Khan, is also studying through the Institute of Technology. She said, “My experience at London Gatwick as a Cyber Security Apprentice has been nothing short of extraordinary. I have gained a deeper understanding of cyber security and developed a stronger passion for this dynamic field thanks to the incredible support of my team members and plenty of hands-on experience. 

“London Gatwick and the Institute of Technology have provided me with invaluable guidance and an environment of collaboration which is helping me to shape into an enthusiastic cyber professional. I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited for the continued growth ahead!”

As part of London Gatwick’s sustainability policy, Decade of Change, the airport has committed to dedicating time to support local workforce skills initiatives. As a result, Gatwick has been involved in the design and delivery of training, with a focus on IT and cyber security. 

Nick Batchelor, Director of Information Technology, London Gatwick said: “We are delighted to be an industry partner of the Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology, an exciting institution for the region, its learners and employers.  

“As a major employer in the region, London Gatwick is committed to supporting local and regional workforce skills partnerships and initiatives. We recognise the value of investing in higher level technical skills to meet employer needs and to support future sustainable growth.”

The Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology sets out to address higher level skills needs in engineering and manufacturing technologies; digital technologies; construction, planning and the built environment and sustainable technologies. Courses through the IoT are available at Chichester College, Crawley College, NESCOT, University of Brighton and University of Sussex.

Northern Runway planning process continues

London Gatwick’s Northern Runway project is moving into the examination phase this month. Last summer, the airport submitted plans to bring its existing Northern Runway into routine use alongside the Main Runway.

This forward-looking and low impact plan aims to use the airport’s existing infrastructure to unlock new capacity and improve airport resilience, in line with government policy.

By investing in its long-term future, London Gatwick will also enhance the crucial economic role the airport plays, by creating around 14,000 new jobs and injecting £1 billion into the region’s economy every year.

The application was accepted for detailed examination by the Planning Inspectorate on August 3rd last year, and a period of detailed and rigorous examination of the proposals by a panel of independent experts will now follow, starting with a series of public hearing dates throughout February and March.

Throughout the DCO planning process, all documents submitted by London Gatwick to the Planning Inspectorate will be publicly available at: infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk

Singapore Airlines to take-off from London Gatwick

The renowned carrier – recently crowned World’s Best Airline at the 2023 Skytrax Awards – will begin flying five times per week from London Gatwick to Singapore Changi Airport from June 22nd 2024. Flights are available to book now.

Stewart Wingate, CEO, London Gatwick said, “Renowned as one of the world’s best carriers, we are delighted to welcome Singapore Airlines to London Gatwick. It showcases the high regard in which Gatwick is held, and connecting to the impressive Changi Airport is a big boost for the whole region.

“For passengers across London and the South East, the new route will provide huge connectivity potential, not only to the fantastic destination of Singapore, but more widely across Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand. With significant increases in trade between the UK and Singapore in recent years, the service also provides exciting opportunities for local and regional businesses.”

The service will enable passengers across London and the South East to seamlessly transfer onto flights to Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand from award-winning Changi Airport.

The 13-hour flight will be operated with the Airbus A350-900, a highly fuel-efficient and quieter aircraft. The 253-seat aircraft features three cabin classes, with 42 seats in Business Class, 24 in Premium Economy Class and 187 in Economy Class. Passengers can enjoy world-class service, an award-winning wine collection, gourmet cuisine, and complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi as a KrisFlyer member.

www.gatwickairport.com