Thursday 21 March 2024

The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has reaffirmed its support for a Northern Runway at Gatwick Airport in a representation to the Government Planning Inspectorate. The evidence was given during an open floor hearing for Gatwick Airport’s application for an Order Granting Development Consent for the Northern Runway Project.

London’s economic success has always relied on its global connectivity and aviation is the key factor in the city’s global connectivity now, and into the future. LCCI’s member businesses benefit from London’s impressive aviation industry; our research has found that over four in five London business leaders agree that air connectivity is important to London’s global competitiveness (83%), international trade (82%) and the London economy overall (82%).

During a meeting of The Planning Inspectorate in relation to Gatwick Airport’s Northern Runway Project, LCCI reflected that Gatwick Airport is a critical piece of infrastructure that helps London maintain its world city status. By connecting the UK with the world, Gatwick Airport plays a vital role in supporting local businesses in the area through its supply chain, allowing firms from all over the UK to access opportunities internationally, and enabling London’s world-class culture and tourism sectors to thrive.

In its evidence, LCCI noted that a Northern Runway at Gatwick Airport would create more capacity and crucially bolster the airport’s role in serving as a gateway to the surrounding area and the UK at large, driving better international connectivity for all four corners of the UK. LCCI is also supportive of the Airport’s efforts towards sustainability and addressing the climate emergency and feel that the Northern Runway would complement these ambitions.

Commenting on the consultation, James Watkins, Head of Policy and Public Impact at The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), said: 

"LCCI is proud to support Gatwick Airport’s proposal to expand use of its Northern Runway. The aviation sector is vital to the UK economy and especially London’s business community, as it enables the flow of people, trade, and investment. The Airport is an essential asset to London and we should be doing everything we can to support its sustainable expansion and growth.

“The proposed plans, which we hope are implemented soon, carefully balance the needs of local residents with the obligation to set a precedent for the type of growth that London and the UK should pursue as part of long-term sustainability ambitions. We look forward to a quick and positive decision on the runway from relevant stakeholders and policymakers and will continue to support Gatwick Airport’s plans in the meantime.”

Read LCCI’s full response to the consultation.

ENDS

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