Monday 9 December 2024

The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has joined the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and Gatwick Diamond partnership in writing open letters calling on behalf of their members and stakeholders, to Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander to endorse London Gatwick’s growth plans. 

The letters highlight how the airport's plans to bring its Northern Runway into routine use closely align with Labour’s ambition to unlock growth, boost the economy and create jobs. 

The Northern Runway, currently a backup, could be made operational as a second permanent runway. The project represents a £2.2 billion shovel-ready privately financed investment which could be operational by the end of the decade. 

The Planning Inspectorate has delivered its recommendation with the Government due to make a decision early next year. If approved, the Northern Runway plan will create a further 14,000 jobs and generate £1 billion in economic benefits every year.  

According to data from LCCI, four in five London business decision-makers agree that air connectivity is important to London’s global competitiveness (83%), international trade (82%), the London economy overall (82%) and building and maintaining international business connections (79%).

Karim Fatehi MBE, Chief Executive, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), said: “London’s status as the world’s pre-eminent global city for business, tourism and trade is heavily reliant on the strength of the capital’s transport network. The aviation sector is vital to both London and the UK’s economy as it enables the flow of people, trade, and investment, across the entire country. Without robust aviation links, London risks losing its competitive edge on the international stage.” 

ENDS