Gatwick is running regional roadshows to outline why its plans for a second runway would offer a bigger economic boost and greater connections for UK businesses.
The events are being held over the next six weeks at nine chambers of commerce throughout England, Scotland and Wales to discuss the airports capacity debate and the key issues for UK businesses.
The first meeting was held yesterday in Newquay, to followed by Edinburgh, Sheffield, Hampshire, Inverness, Aberdeen, the north-east, Liverpool and South Wales.
The regional lobbying begins as Birmingham airport announced its support of a Gatwick second runway because of the benefits it offers to regional growth.
A second runway at Gatwick is among the options shortlisted by the Airports Commission for the UK’s next runway together with two options at rival Heathrow.
Gatwick claims a second runway at would help deliver more domestic passengers to and from London – 18 million by 2050 – than expansion at Heathrow.
Expansion would also create capacity for more regional flights, connecting 15 UK airports to Gatwick and supporting incentives and competitive charges for increased regional services.
Gatwick CEO Stewart Wingate said: “The airports debate is of national significance, affecting not just London but passengers and businesses the length and breadth of the UK.
“These roadshows are an invaluable chance to outline why expansion at Gatwick is the best choice for the whole of the UK, delivering more benefits and greater connections for British businesses.
“As the business community will know, driving competition is the best way to create more choice, better standards and lower prices.
“Only expansion at Gatwick could achieve this, creating greater competition among airports in London and the south-east and helping other UK airports continue to compete and grow.”