The airport plays a crucial role in unlocking new trade routes, fostering innovation, and creating jobs, contributing to the region’s prosperity. Over the past year, Gatwick has launched the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone (AEZ) and introduced key routes to Kenya, Uganda, and Bahrain.
It has also influenced West Sussex’s new economic strategy and supported the Sussex Six campaign, promoting local products globally. The airport has been instrumental in the development of the Crawley Innovation Centre and has reached over 540,000 students through its education programs since 2021.
The completion of the Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology in Crawley further underscores its commitment to shaping the future workforce. Recently, Gatwick announced 29 new services from Jet2, with five aircraft based at the airport from March 2026, creating over 300 jobs. Julie Kapsalis, Chief Executive of NESCOT, emphasised Gatwick’s role in connecting education, enterprise, and innovation, with the AEZ serving as a collaboration platform.
The airport’s investment in skills and infrastructure is creating opportunities for local people, and the Northern Runway project is expected to secure high-quality jobs for the next generation.
As the South East anticipates the creation of a Sussex Mayoral Combined County Authority, Gatwick’s strategic importance in anchoring growth, attracting investment, and connecting communities to global opportunities is more evident than ever.
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