New links bolster Gatwick’s long-haul growth
Gatwick has revealed interim results showing new direct routes to Brazil and Argentina have contributed to a 2.3% – or 107,340 passengers – year-on-year uplift for long-haul flying.
Norwegian’s new service to Rio de Janeiro and an increase in flights to Buenos Aires has led to 101,100 more passengers travelling to South America from Gatwick than the previous year.
Overall, in the six months ended September 30 2019, 26.6 million passengers travelled through Gatwick, an increase of 0.2% – or an extra 56,803 passengers – compared to the same period last year.
Revenue was up 5.6% to £541.3m, resulting in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) up 7.9% to £350.6m and a profit after tax of £137m.
Around one in five of Gatwick’s passengers is now travelling to a long-haul destination, with the airport offering more than 60 long-haul routes worldwide.
As well as strong growth to South America, the airport has welcomed new direct routes to Miami, San Francisco, Kuwait City and Mexico this year.
The most recent new long-haul route – to Shanghai with Air China – launched in early November. Combined with China Eastern flights, Gatwick now offers 11 weekly services to the city.
Gatwick CEO Stewart Wingate said: "As the UK enters an important new chapter on the global stage, new links created to key markets such as South America will play a crucial role in the country’s economy and national identity.
"While we were saddened by the recent collapse of Thomas Cook, we are confident in our future prospects and look forward to easyJet and other airlines using these slots going forward."
"A growing Gatwick means a thriving region and as the airport continues to be transformed under its new ownership – from new global connections, to improved transport links, new jobs and business opportunities – the ripple effect will be felt across all corners of our region."
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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