Airports

Long-haul links continue to drive Gatwick’s cargo to new heights

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London Gatwick Airport’s tonnage continues its upward spiral as it grew by 19.4 per cent in June and the growth was driven by new long-haul routes.

The UK gateway handled 9,354 tonnes in the month and on a moving annual basis in the last 12 months tonnage is up 25.6 per cent with 107,051 tonnes processed between July last year and June this year.

Cargo has been boosted by Qatar Airways starting a double-daily belly service in May while Air China started a direct belly route to Chengdu.

Gatwick said it expects long-haul services to grow by 19.5 per cent during the summer holidays.

Gatwick Airport chief executive officer, Stewart Wingate said: “Just one week after we added a 67th long-haul service to our extensive network – with the launch of the UK’s only direct flights to Chengdu with Air China – it’s fantastic to see that our long-haul routes are continuing to perform so strongly, with solid growth recorded in June.

“This follows news that £7.5 billion of international goods passed through Gatwick in 2017 – supporting 113,800 UK jobs – which really highlights the vital role the airport plays for its local community and the country as a whole.

“We’re currently exploring the best and most sustainable ways that Gatwick can continue to grow, in order to keep supporting the local and national economy and help Britain reap the benefits of greater global connectivity.

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