Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Gatwick’s growth plans look to boost UK-China connectivity

Aerospace

Gatwick’s growth plans look to boost UK-China connectivity

London Gatwick’s expansion plans could significantly boost the economy and UK-China connectivity as demand continues to grow, with an almost 265% year-on-year rise in passenger volumes between Gatwick and China.

Image courtesy Gatwick Airport / VINCI Airports / GIP

The airport saw almost 550,000 passengers travelling to China in 2024, up from more than 150,000 in 2023. China’s three largest carriers already fly from Gatwick, with 33 services a week to China, with Air China, China Southern and China Eastern flying to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Zhengzhou.

Advertisement
Cranfield

London Gatwick plays a key role in that continued growth and if plans to bring its Northern Runway, currently a backup, into routine use are approved by the Government next month, it will allow for even more international services, including from China.

The Northern Runway project represents a £2.2 billion shovel-ready privately financed investment which could be operational by the end of the decade. The plans will create a further 14,000 jobs and generate £1 billion in economic benefits every year.

Advertisement
ADS S&P RT

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick said: “China accounts for 5.1% of total UK trade and is the UK’s fifth largest trading partner in 2024. As demonstrated by the Chancellor’s recent visit to China, this market is vitally important to the UK economy in terms of both inbound visitors and trade and we are pleased to offer significant connectivity between the two nations from London Gatwick.  

“We have seen huge demand for growth of these routes, from airlines and passengers. If approved, our Northern Runway plans could provide even greater opportunity to support communities the economy and the Government’s wider plans for growth, through enhanced capacity for vital long-haul services.”
 

Advertisement
Aviation Africa LB Aviation Africa LB
Heathrow launches upgrade and expansion plan

Aerospace

Heathrow launches upgrade and expansion plan

12 February 2025

Following the UK Chancellor's backing of a third runway, Heathrow is launching its largest investment programme in the airport’s history to upgrade and expand through 100% private funding. 

Autonomous vehicles pass intense weather tests

Aerospace

Autonomous vehicles pass intense weather tests

12 February 2025

Aurrigo International plc has come up with new software to help airports overcome the challenge of operating autonomous vehicles in intense wet weather and snow.

Heathrow has busiest January on record

Aerospace

Heathrow has busiest January on record

12 February 2025

Last month was Heathrow’s busiest January on record, with over 6.3 million passengers travelling through the airport - up over 5% on the same time last year.

NATS outlines revolutionary path to drone integration

Aerospace

NATS outlines revolutionary path to drone integration

11 February 2025

NATS today announced the launch of its whitepaper 'Advancing Aviation through Integration of Drones in the UK’s Low-Level Airspace', highlighting how Project CAELUS demonstrates a successful path towards integrating traditional ATM with drone traffic by leveraging NATS Services’ new Concept of Operations (CONOPs).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Skyports and LODD unveil vertiport design for Abu Dhabi AAM network

Aerospace

Skyports and LODD unveil vertiport design for Abu Dhabi AAM network

11 February 2025

Skyports Infrastructure and Abu Dhabi based AI-powered drone tech and autonomous aerial logistics specialist LODD, have unveiled vertiport designs to be developed for the Abu Dhabi AAM network, across three strategic locations.

VIP-Fly services launched at Manchester Airport

Aerospace

VIP-Fly services launched at Manchester Airport

11 February 2025

Airport concierge specialist, VIP-Fly, is expanding its footprint in the UK with the launch of premium VIP meet and assist and concierge services at Manchester Airport.

Advertisement
ODU RT