London Gatwick has further expanded its African network with the launch of Kenya Airways’ new direct service to Nairobi.
The route, starting today (3 July), marks the only non-stop connection between London Gatwick and the Kenyan capital.
The new service is a key milestone in London Gatwick’s strategy to enhance connectivity with high-growth markets across Africa, with the airport now serving 19 destinations across the continent. It follows the introduction of routes by Ethiopian Airlines and Uganda Airlines, strengthening the airport’s role as a gateway for trade, tourism and investment between the UK and Africa.
The Nairobi route will provide onward connections to more than 40 destinations across Africa such as Johannesburg – home to the continent’s largest stock exchange - the white sands of the Seychelles and Zanzibar, and mountain treks at Kilimanjaro, supporting business and leisure travellers.
Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick said:“We are delighted to welcome this new service from Kenya Airways, providing a vital route to Nairobi and onward connectivity across the region. “Following the recent addition of flights between London Gatwick and Uganda, alongside the existing service to Ethiopia, the new Kenya Airways route further demonstrates our commitment to growing connectivity across the region. It also shows the growing demand for key long-haul services from London Gatwick and the breadth of opportunity for the South East and beyond.”
Allan Kilavuka, Group MD and CEO, Kenya Airways, said: “This inaugural flight to London Gatwick is not just about adding a new destination; it's about opening more doors for trade, tourism, education and strengthening the vital connections between Kenya and the UK."
Lord Collins, the UK Government’s Minister for Africa, said: "The launch of the new, first-of-its-kind direct flight between Kenya and London Gatwick is fantastic news - bringing a welcome boost to tourism, trade, and people-to-people connections between our two countries. "The flight represents further evidence of our strengthening partnership for economic growth."
NOTES In 2024, total trade in goods and services between the UK and Kenya reached £1.8bn, with UK exports valued at £786m. The UK is also home to a vibrant Kenyan diaspora, estimated at more than 150,000 people, many of whom maintain strong personal and business ties with Kenya.
London Gatwick routes to Africa Route Airline(s) Frequency/week Accra, Ghana British Airways 3 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Ethiopian Airlines 4 Agadir easyJet, British Airways, TUI 9 Algiers British Airways 7 Cape Verde (BVC) TUI 5 Cape Town, South Africa Norse 3 Casablanca, Morocco Royal Air Maroc 7 Enfidha easyJet, TUI 14 Entebbe, Uganda Uganda Airlines 4 Freetown, Sierra Leone Air Sierra Leone 3 Hurghada easyJet, TUI 9 Lagos, Nigeria Air Peace 7 Marrakech, Morocco easyJet, British Airways, Wizz Air, TUI 29 Mauritius Air Mauritius, British Airways 8 Nairobi, Kenya Kenya Airways 3 Cape Verde (SID) easyJet, TUI 5 Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt TUI, easyJet 9 Tangier Royal Air Maroc, Air Arabia Maroc 6 Tunis, Tunisia Nouvelair, Tunisair 10 |
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London Gatwick strengthens African connectivity with new Kenya Airways route to Nairobi
London Gatwick has further expanded its African network with the launch of Kenya Airways’ new direct service to Nairobi.
A high-profile delegation from the Gatwick Region will return to the UK Real Estate, Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in May 2025. This marks the first time the delegation will attend under the new 'Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone' umbrella, following plans to develop an AEZ for the region were unveiled in November 2024.
If you're looking to integrate sustainable energy solutions into your energy management plan, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) offer a great opportunity to drive decarbonisation without the need for significant upfront capital investment in infrastructure. However, securing these long-term contracts requires expertise and careful handling.
At JLC Group we cover a huge range of works, more recently, with an exciting project at a bustling UK airport. The installation of an Alligator cable carrier is a prime example of the innovative solutions that we can provide. This product is not only designed and manufactured in-house, but it also offers a multitude of advantages that streamline airport operations.
London Gatwick has developed an overarching Supply Chain Strategy to align future frameworks to the airport’s Capital Investment Programme. The new Construction Frameworks will deliver improved facilities and services for our passengers and airline customers over the next 6 years, and will include construction works, various professional services including design services, and surveys
We are delighted that @Marc Buxey has joined the team at the Arora Group, taking on the role of Cluster Director of Sales and Events, overseeing the Gatwick area, which include Hilton London Gatwick Hotel and Sofitel London Gatwick Hotel.
Marc brings deep knowledge of hospitality and invaluable sales experience having spent 25 years working with brands such as Hilton, Hyatt Regency, Crowne Plaza, De Vere, The Venues Collection, and The Relais Retreats, among others.
Kara Monteiro, Cluster General Manager commented: “We are delighted to have Marc join the team and truly value his experience, enthusiasm and drive. We have fantastic and up-to-date meetings and events facilities that we are immensely proud of. Having Marc dedicated to building strong connections in the area will certainly be beneficial for the hotels, and for local businesses in need for quality space to gather."
The purpose of GATCOM’s newsletter is to help GATCOM member organisations and other interested
parties keep up to date with the latest news articles, publications and innovations relating to Gatwick
Airport and the wider aviation industry. It is not intended to promote or scrutinise any news articles,
press releases or publications referenced.
Navigating the complex world of infrastructure planning can be a daunting task. But you have more power in this process than you might think. The entire process behind the Gatwick London Northern Runway Project is not just for airport executives and planning inspectors—it’s for you too. And your involvement is only a click away.
Think of it as a six-act play where each scene is crucial. By the end of this post, you’ll not only understand each of those stages but also know exactly how to ensure your voice is heard. To play your part, we’ll have some simple instructions to follow. But you’ll need to make sure you complete them before 29th October 2023.
The Northern Runway Project: Overview
London Gatwick is no ordinary airport. It’s a beacon of economic prosperity and a major hub for the UK. And it has a clear vision for a sustainable future. The airport has just submitted a Development Consent Order (DCO) to bring its existing Northern Runway into operation.
With 14,000 new jobs and an added £1 billion into the regional economy yearly at stake, it is important your opinions a shared. Over 3,000 jobs would be based right at the airport, with thousands more in supply chains, local businesses, and the resultant economic boost from employee spending.
The plans go beyond just increasing flight traffic; it’s about boosting resilience, supporting the government’s policy, and laying the foundation for a ‘Global Britain’. In the words of Stewart Wingate, CEO of Gatwick Airport, the project is all about ensuring “economic prosperity for thousands of families, businesses, and future generations across the region.”
Local Support
A YouGov poll revealed that 78% of residents from Sussex, Surrey, and Kent are in support of the plans. Moreover, 70% and 73% believe that this is the move the region needs for economic growth and job creation.
Our Environment
Gatwick has committed to a legally binding ‘noise envelope’. This means that, despite its expansion, within nine years of the Northern Runway’s unveiling, operations will produce less noise than they did in 2019.
And as if that wasn’t enough, there’s a massive £250 million investment towards ensuring the airport is net-zero for its carbon emissions by 2030.
The Six Stages of Planning Demystified
Understanding the process will help you know when and how you can influence it. So, what are the six stages for a project of this magnitude?
Pre-Application: Think of this as the brainstorming phase. The applicant, which could be a developer or local council, develops the project and consults with statutory bodies, local authorities, and communities. Important to note: This is the stage where most influence can be exerted.
Acceptance: The Planning Inspectorate takes over, checking if all documents are in place.
Pre-examination: Publicity time! The applicant advertises that the application has been accepted. And it’s also when you can register to play a part in the Examination.
The Examination: The heart of the process. An Examining Authority studies the application, a stage that must conclude within six months.
Recommendation and Decision: Here’s where the Examining Authority sends its recommendation to the Secretary of State, who then makes the final call.
Post Decision: The last stage, where anyone can legally challenge the Secretary of State’s decision within a six-week window.
For the Northern Runway, the first three stages have now past. It is now in the Examination Stage. So, if you’ve ever wanted to play a part, now’s your time!
Here’s How You Make Sure Your Voice Is Heard
Firstly, visit:
CLICK HERE
This page will invite you to become an Interested Party in the Planning Application. Remember, while you’re encouraged to share your concerns, positive comments are also welcomed!
If you’re a local resident, ensure you provide:
– Full name (published)
– Address, email address, and phone number (kept confidential)
– Comments about the project (published)
For business representatives:
– Your full name & the name of the organisation (published)
– Work details (kept confidential)
– Comments about the project (published)
Registration closes on 29 October 2023. Once you’re in, you’ll be kept in the loop about the Examination of the Application and can provide further input during the Examination phase.
So, are you ready to be part of a better future for The Gatwick Diamond?
Your voice matters. And now you know exactly how to make it heard. Let’s shape the future of Gatwick Diamond and, in turn, the UK’s future together.
London Gatwick has partnered with a Crawley-based company mnAi to improve understanding of opportunities within local and regional supply chains
New AI tool will highlight local companies and the services they can provide to the airport
Stakeholders, including businesses across the region, have until 29 October to register and provide feedback on London Gatwick’s Northern Runway plans to the the Planning Inspectorate
Businesses within London Gatwick’s local region are set to be boosted through a new partnership between the airport and Crawley-based company, mnAi.
Gatwick has partnered with data, insight and analytics platform mnAi – whose headquarters are at The Beehive in City Place, Crawley – to improve understanding of companies within the local and regional supply chain and the services they can provide, through use of a new AI tool.
The platform will enable London Gatwick to identify locally-based businesses from which they can request proposals and quotes for a range of key projects, as well as supplying goods and services.
The new partnership with mnAi – which also has a base in Edinburgh - is in line with London Gatwick’s procurement policy, which states all procurement-led requests for proposals and quotes (RFPs) will include a minimum of one local or regional supplier, where suitable businesses exist.
Local/regional is defined as one of the 12 postcodes set out in the airport’s second Decade of Change – its sustainability policy which looks ahead to 2030 and sets out Gatwick’s goals on the transition to Net Zero, as well as being a partner and advocate for a thriving and resilient economy.
Richard Lennard, Economic Partnerships Manager, London Gatwick said: “As we continue our second Decade of Change, it is vital we increase our understanding of the impact our procurement decisions have on the local economy. I am pleased to be working with mnAi to gain greater insight into our local, regional and UK supply chain. This increased transparency will allow Gatwick to seek out and actively include suitable businesses in our RFPs for new opportunities.”
John Cushing, CEO and Founder, mnAi said: “Our partnership with London Gatwick is an alliance that marries innovation with scale. It signifies a collaborative step forward for both mnAi and Gatwick, and is a milestone for the local economy. Our shared vision encompasses far more than just local progress; this is a blueprint for what can be achieved nationally."
Ricky Cowan, Managing Director, mnAi said: “This collaboration promises immense potential in the aviation sector. The work London Gatwick is doing by leveraging mnAi's extensive data sets is simply the tip of the iceberg. Our data spans a remarkable range, both in depth and breadth, providing unparalleled insights and actionable intelligence. Given the scale at which we can operate, we're confident this alliance will unlock unprecedented opportunities not just for Gatwick, but for the industry as a whole.”
London Gatwick is investing in its long-term future and its planning application to bring the airport’s Northern Runway into regular use has recently been accepted for detailed examination by the Planning Inspectorate. This low-impact plan will improve resilience, reduce delays, and provide a significant boost to the national and regional economy by supporting trade, tourism and new jobs.
Businesses across the region, along with members of the public, including local residents and other stakeholders, have until 23:59 on 29 October 2023 to register with the Planning Inspectorate and provide a summary of their views on the airport’s application.
