London Gatwick is more than an airport. Landside, it is a business, education and community hub serving the region. Here is what has been happening…
Research conducted by economists Oxera reveals London Gatwick generated £5.5 billion for the UK economy, and supported more than 76,000 jobs in 2023. The majority of this vital economic activity took place in six local authority areas across the South East – West Sussex, East Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Brighton & Hove, and Croydon.
• West Sussex: 22,047 jobs, £1.6 billion GVA.
• Surrey: 11,908 jobs, £855 million GVA.
• Kent: 7,220 jobs, £515.2 million GVA.
• Croydon: 3,680 jobs, £265.2 million GVA.
• Brighton & Hove: 3,432 jobs, £246.1 million GVA.
• East Sussex: 3,415 jobs, £245.4 million GVA.
From May 21st-23rd, London Gatwick co-funded a delegation to UKREiiF, the UK’s leading investment event. This delegation, under Invest Gatwick Diamond, united county councils, local authorities, and private sector affiliates from Sussex, Surrey, Kent, and South London and had the opportunity to connect with over 10,000 investment decision makers from across the globe.
At UKREiiF, Alison Addy, London Gatwick’s Head of External Engagement and Policy, participated in a panel discussion looking at how successful Airport Economic Zones (AEZs) across the world define, organise, and promote themselves. London Gatwick is exploring establishing an AEZ to attract inward investment and benefit the regional economy.
Tim Norwood, Chief Planning Officer and Director of Corporate Affairs, London Gatwick, says: “These figures show how well our recovery is going. It’s important, however, to remember they’re not just big numbers. They represent the livelihoods and incomes of tens of thousands of individuals, families and businesses across the region.
“Together, the South East has a lot to offer investors from around the globe, but we cannot take our future economic growth for granted. Global competition for investment is fierce, and I’m delighted we’re working with our partners to attract new business opportunities, trade and jobs into the region.”
Brett North, Chairman of the Gatwick Diamond Initiative comments: “We are home to a vibrant economic region, with Gatwick Airport at its heart. Ideally located for London and the rest of the world, we were proud to represent our region for the first time at UKREiiF. We welcome the opportunity to showcase the best of the Gatwick Diamond, particularly for investors in locations where Gatwick has worked with the business community to establish strong routes.”
For further insights, the ‘Local economic impact of London Gatwick report’ can be accessed at www.gatwickairport.com/company/community/economy.html
New London Gatwick campaign showcases speed and connectivity to the airport
London Gatwick has launched a new campaign to promote the airport as a seamless travel hub, and encourage potential passengers to choose to fly from Gatwick.
Named “Sorry for the Convenience”, the campaign emphasises the airport’s diverse and efficient transport options, speedy security procedures, and wide range of airlines and destinations.
Simon Brady, Head of Marketing, London Gatwick, says: “Our campaign plays with the idea of London Gatwick apologising for being effortlessly efficient – something that we are incredibly proud of – with a very British twist. We know things may not always run completely smoothly for every passenger every time, but we want to celebrate and promote the ease and efficiency of travelling into London Gatwick.”
Located ideally for travellers based in London and the south, London Gatwick is investing £600,000 this year to enhance surface access, including doubling the frequency of Great Western Railway’s Gatwick to Reading service. Passengers can travel from London Gatwick to central London in just half an hour, with trains leaving every four minutes – as frequent as the London Underground.
The campaign also highlights the multitude of official on-airport car parking options, offering convenience, flexibility and choice. Once at the airport, 95% of passengers on average fly through security in less than five minutes, allowing them to enjoy the airport’s retail and dining options.
Gatwick CEO joins colleagues in charity bike ride to Paris
A team of 28 London Gatwick employees, including CEO Stewart Wingate, has raised more than £37,000 for charity in a three-day bike ride from the airport to Paris.
From May 10th-12th, the team pedalled more than 300km to support the airport’s three official charity partners: SASH Charity,
Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) and Gatwick TravelCare. Participants included engineers, security officers, firefighters, and executives, many of whom had never ridden such a distance before.
Stewart Wingate commented afterwards: “I’m incredibly proud to have cycled alongside my colleagues for these wonderful charities. Together we endured the hot weather, challenging hills and even hailstorms and this bike ride has shown what we can accomplish when we come together for causes we believe in. I want to thank every one of our supporters who donated.”
Raquel Williams, Fundraising Officer, SASH Charity: “The sponsored bike ride will directly help sick children and their families in Surrey and Sussex. The donations will transform essential rooms in our children’s ward, such as a treatment room at East Surrey Hospital where children receive urgent medical care, creating a new family room for their parents, enhancing other overnight rooms where the most seriously unwell children stay.”
For KSS, these funds could pay for fuel for all 19 incidents they were called to at London Gatwick in 2023, and 14 of the 112 incidents they responded to in Crawley in 2023.
The funds raised will also have a tangible impact for Gatwick TravelCare, who support passengers in distress, including those facing missed flights or human trafficking.
London Gatwick covered all event costs, ensuring that 100% of the funds raised directly benefit the charities. The total includes
£7,000 in match-funding by London Gatwick.
London Gatwick’s STEM centre inspires students and visitors
More than a thousand students have visited London Gatwick’s STEM centre (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) since it opened in October 2023.
The STEM centre, a bespoke space to engage and teach school children across the region about STEM and aviation, has hosted 47 school visits and counting. Activities include water treatment, engineering rigs and creating solar power electric vehicles.
STEM is vital at London Gatwick, with hundreds of career options available at the airport itself and the many partners who work together to keep the airport running.
Alison Addy, Head of External Engagement and Policy, London Gatwick said: “It is fantastic to have reached this milestone of 1,000 engagements at the STEM centre and counting! The STEM centre is truly a space where you can learn and be inspired with a mix of theory and practical sessions on offer; there is something for everyone.”
The STEM centre is at the heart of London Gatwick’s Employment, Skills, and Business Strategy, essential for developing local talent. The centre, situated landside at the airport, includes classrooms, tablets, quiet areas, and facilities for students with special educational needs, providing opportunities for both theory and practical learning.
