1 Foreword

1.1. Foreword by Gatwick Airport

Like other international airports, the last two years have presented unprecedented challenges to all parts of Gatwick’s business – including our staff, passengers and airlines. However, due to swift actions taken in response to the pandemic, the business remains resilient and our focus is now very much on rebuilding the operation and passenger numbers as international travel markets return. The reopening of the airport’s South Terminal on 27 March 2022 is a testament to our optimistic assessment that Gatwick will bounce back and retain its position as one of Europe’s leading international gateways.

Gatwick is a vital part of the UK’s national infrastructure and is a major driver of growth for both the regional and national economies. As we rebuild our passenger numbers to pre-pandemic levels over the next two to three years, and undertake significant investment, this will enable us to offer even more choice for travelers and generate additional benefits for our local communities and supply chains. We are already looking towards the future. The redevelopment of Gatwick railway station promises to bring an exciting new gateway to the airport, and we are progressing plans to bring our Northern Runway into routine use alongside our Main Runway.

We take our role in driving the recovery of the region seriously. Our role at the very heart of our local economy, together with the close working relationships we have forged with local partners and stakeholders over many years, means that we are always exploring ways in which we can maximise our potential by delivering a sustainable, resilient and competitive future for the airport and our region as a whole.

Developing a clear regional identity for the local economy is key as we seek to recover from the pandemic and take advantage of new trade and investment opportunities in the context of a Global Britain. We commissioned Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership to prepare this report to look at leading domestic and international examples of airports and how their surrounding regions work collaboratively to promote themselves and attract investment. We hope this research can provide an evidenced baseline for future consideration of this kind of collaborative work in our region, and also stimulate discussion among stakeholders around common approaches.

On behalf of all the team at Gatwick, we look forward to working with our partners across the community to help ensure the airport supports the future prosperity of local people, businesses and the regional economy.

1.2. Foreword by Coast to Capital

Gatwick Airport is at the geographic and economic heart of the Coast to Capital area. As the local enterprise partnership for the region we have always recognised the catalytic role the airport plays in our economy – driving growth, trade, and jobs. As we shift our focus to recovery from the pandemic and look to seize new opportunities presented by a Global Britain, that role is more crucial than ever.

We have a track record of working with the airport to create sustainable growth in our region. The redevelopment of Gatwick railway station exemplifies this – with Coast to Capital thrilled to be co-funding the project along with the airport. Infrastructure upgrades of this kind are critical as we seek to build back from the pandemic and take advantage of new business realities.

So is developing a clear identity for the region – and that’s why I am really pleased Coast to Capital has been able to contribute to this research. This report is an important first step in that process. Successful places are always open to learn. By looking at leading examples of airport regions in the UK and overseas working together to promote themselves and attract investment we can create that evidenced baseline necessary for future discussion of this in our area. On behalf of the team and Board at Coast to Capital, we thank Gatwick for the chance to contribute to this piece of work and look forward to participating in future discussions with our partners and stakeholders on this topic.