New long-haul routes drive Gatwick's tonnage surge

New long-haul routes drive Gatwick’s tonnage surge

August 10, 2017

Gatwick Airport handled 7,865 tonnes in July – a year-on-year (YOY) increase of 20.4 per cent on same month in 2016 – as it was boosted by new long-haul belly routes to Asia and the US.

In the last 12 months, the gateway has processed 86,544 tonnes, up 18.4 per cent on the 73,096 tonnes in the previous 12 months.

The growth comes as Gatwick continues to focus on developing the airport’s connectivity with Asia, with flights to Taipei and Singapore also set to launch later this year.

Cargo could also get a further boost as more transatlantic routes are starting with Norwegian’s direct flights to Denver and Seattle taking off from September, and the airline’s recently announced routes to Austin, Chicago and Buenos Aires launching early next year.

Gatwick Airport chief executive officer, Stewart Wingate says July figures show the “growing role” Gatwick is playing in bringing Britain and Asia closer together.

He adds it is keen to expand by adding a second runway and it stands ready to build a “financeable and deliverable” runway scheme instead of, or in addition to, Heathrow Airport should the UK Government give the green light.

James Graham

James Graham is an award-winning transport media journalist with a long background in the commercial freight sector, including commercial aviation and the aviation supply chain. He was the initial Air Cargo Week journalist and retuned later for a stint as editor. He continues his association as editor of the monthly supplements. He has reported for the newspaper from global locations as well as the UK.