London Gatwick Airport’s cargo traffic soared in August by 22.3 per cent year-on-year (YOY) as new long-haul routes continued to drive growth.
In August, the airport processed 9,826 tonnes, up on the 8,035 tonnes in the same month last year, while on a rolling 12-month basis tonnage is up 26 per cent to 111,106 tonnes.
Gatwick’s long-haul network now totals 64 routes and has propelled cargo by more than 10 per cent YOY in each of the last 12 months.
Notable routes that have boosted tonnage are a new China Eastern Shanghai route which has added 3,700 tonnes of capacity, while new US city connections have also driven figures.
Gatwick Airport chief executive officer, Stewart Wingate said: “As we reach the end of Gatwick’s busiest summer to date, August’s traffic figures are extremely encouraging, particularly within our long-haul network.
“Our ongoing cargo success story is being driven by the soaring long-haul growth, and highlights the crucial role we play for our local and national economies.
“This will be critical in supporting the country post-Brexit, and we’re continuing to explore the best and most sustainable ways that Gatwick can grow so that the UK can reap the benefits of greater global connectivity.”
