A new economic powerhouse – the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone (AEZ) – has been launched to help showcase the region and its strengths to investors and developers from around the world. Centred in the region surrounding London Gatwick, it represents 7% of the UK economy (£155bn GVA).
AEZs bring together airports and their surrounding regions collaboratively to leverage the economic value of the airport and drive a clear identity to promote the unique strengths of the region and attract investment, benefitting both airports and the regional economies that surround them.
This dynamic, pro-business region is home to leading universities and industry clusters including aerospace, clean energy, life sciences, creative industries, and advanced manufacturing. Strong infrastructure – including London Gatwick, the UK’s second largest airport – makes it an ideal location to operate with ease and scale.
“A new economic powerhouse has arrived to drive growth and investment across this outstanding region with London Gatwick at its heart,” said Stewart Wingate, Chief Executive, London Gatwick. “The airport is an economic anchor for the South East and provides seamless access to both global and domestic markets. Forming the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone is part of our future plans to deliver economic growth and give the region a powerful single voice and recognisable identity to help unlock new investment, trade and tourism opportunities.”
London Gatwick already contributes 76,000 jobs and £5.5 billion to the UK economy every year. If approved, the airport’s plans to brings its existing Northern Runway into routine use will also deliver a further 14,000 jobs and £1 billion in growth for the regional economy each year.
Next steps for the Gatwick Region AEZ include developing an action plan that shapes the future AEZ operating model – defining its strategic objectives, outcomes, and funding approach. The taskforce taking this work forward will also draft and approve ‘Terms of Reference’, define the role and membership of the Board, and identify candidates for the position of an independent Chair.
Hear more from London Gatwick at the co-located APEX FTE EMEA and Ancillary & Retailing events, taking place in Dublin – the “Silicon Valley of Europe” – on 10-12 June 2025. Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick, is participating in a session focused on ‘Embracing new approaches and models to enhance commercial performance at airports’.
Register for APEX FTE EMEA and Ancillary & Retailing – one registration provides access to both events >>You may also be interested in
12 technology and CX trends that can enhance airline and airport operations in 2025
