Gatwick airport’s report for the six months ended September 30 indicates a positive trend in cargo throughput at the UK’s second-largest gateway.
Freight volumes rose by an impressive 23.3% in comparison with the same period of 2016, a development attributed to a 12.4% growth in long-haul flights.
More connections to far-flung destinations – Taipei, Buenos Aires, Chicago and Austin – are to be added before the end of this year, following the launch of flights to Singapore, Rwanda, Seattle and Denver during the reporting period.
Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “As we prepare for Brexit, it is critical that we continue to grow our long-haul links in addition to connections within the UK and Europe. Our results show significant cargo growth on the back of our ever-strengthening long-haul network.”
Wingate also remarked that the gateway is currently preparing its full submission to the UK Government’s re-opened Airports National Policy Statement consultation. “We are planning future submissions to support the Aviation Strategy in which we will detail the plans we have to continue to make best use of the airport’s existing facilities.
“Gatwick is prepared to build our financeable and deliverable second runway scheme so that Britain can reap the benefits of greater global connectivity faster,” he said.
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