Building and operating a second runway at Gatwick would generate 28,000 additional jobs, a new report published today reveals.
It is also estimated that expansion would stimulate 120,000 jobs across the UK.
Gatwick is vying with Heathrow for the right to expand with a delayed decision by government expected by October.
The research by Arup examined the current range of jobs at Gatwick and assessed the types of jobs and skills needed for the airport to grow, both as part of its current investment plans and if the government approves a second runway.
A second runway at Gatwick would boost employment across the region and create “huge” opportunities for young people and skilled workers by directly supporting 28,000 new jobs, the findings show.
Gatwick would also stimulate future opportunities if it expands, by establishing a £3.75 million apprenticeship fund to create 2,500 new job opportunities for young people. Grants of £1,500 will be provided to cover the start-up costs of each new apprenticeship.
The report says that Gatwick already supports at least 21,000 jobs directly and a further 10,000 indirectly, and also that the airport acts as a catalyst boosting wages across the local economy.
Almost half (48%) of staff work for airlines or their handling agents, with the largest single proportion working as cabin crew (21%). Most Gatwick employees work full time, and the majority (84%) work shifts.
The report also suggests that there is significant opportunity for Gatwick to work with regional partners as it grows to capitalise on greater opportunities for young people.
The airport has a new partnership with three with the University of Brighton, University College London and Imperial College London which will see three engineering graduates join Gatwick’s engineering team each year. This complements an established engineering apprenticeship programme, which celebrates its 40th anniversary next year.
Gatwick will provide mentoring and support for each graduate to gain Chartered Engineer status, as well as further professional development opportunities. The selected universities were chosen as they closely align with Gatwick’s current and future workforce requirements.
Chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “Gatwick’s second runway will not only connect the UK to existing and emerging markets around the world, it will also provide thousands of jobs across the south-east and deliver a once in a generation opportunity for young people to directly benefit from expansion.
“This is an example of how Gatwick expansion is a nationally-significant project and can provide a positive boost to the local area, to the region, and to the UK as a whole.
“Gatwick can deliver a new runway faster and have a spade in the ground before 2020 which means, after decades of delay, Britain can finally benefit from airport expansion.”