A new type of business traveller – dubbed ‘suited savers’ – has been revealed by Gatwick in its latest push for expansion with a second runway.
They favour value for money and fast, efficient travel over anything else.
A poll for the airport found that 57% of business travellers using budget short-haul carriers would also consider booking low-cost long-haul tickets if the alternative was available on their route.
Two thirds of business flyers are already choosing budget carriers on short-haul flights (67%), while 40% are opting for economy options for long-haul where possible.
The growing number of low-cost ticket options for business travellers make trips across the globe more affordable than ever, with almost one in five (18%) people now willing to fly long-haul for just a two hour meeting.
A third of business travellers now fly across the world for face-to-face meetings that make it easier to build strong, long-term relationships and get deals done.
The study also revealed that more passengers – 25% of those surveyed – care about faster security than any other aspect of flying.
Gatwick’s new research reinforces the findings of a TripAdvisor study which found that 72% of business travellers had chosen a low-cost airline between April 2014 and April 2015.
The airport’s chief commercial officer, Guy Stephenson, said: “Passengers are increasingly voting for the kind of choice and competition that only Gatwick can deliver.
“This research highlights the emergence of a new kind of business flyer – travellers who put value for money, speed and convenience at the heart of their travel plans. The remarkable growth of low cost carriers, and their moves into the long-haul market, reinforce this view.
“One in five of Gatwick’s passengers is now travelling on business, and our future success in the business travel market will be built on our ability to offer a short journey time from the office to the plane, with new, modern facilities that work every step of the way. That is what we are delivering today.
“Gatwick represents the future of air travel and we are increasingly well positioned to provide the connectivity and service that supports the UK’s existing and emerging growth markets.
“Building a second runway at Gatwick is the best and right choice for passengers and for British business, the environment and the economy.”