New links bolster Gatwicks long-haul growth
Gatwick has today revealed in its interim results that 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.
Above:
Aerial view of Gatwick Airport.
Courtesy Gatwick
Passengers have been making the most of Norwegian’s new service to Rio de Janeiro and an increase in flights to Buenos Aires. Combined, these routes led to 101,100 more passengers travelling to South America from Gatwick than the prior year. The new links also provided more opportunity for goods to be transported, leading to year-on-year growth of 39% for cargo between Gatwick and South America.
Overall, in the six months ended 30 September 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 EBITDA up 7.9% to £350.6m and a profit after tax of £137 million.
Around 1 in 5 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.
Stewart Wingate, Chief Executive Officer, 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.”