Press Release
London Gatwick Airport looks to Copenhagen for aviation emissions response
03 November 2009
London Gatwick Airport looks to Copenhagen for aviation emissions response
03 November 2009
London Gatwick Airport today backed calls for a global approach to reducing
aviation emissions, in a hard-hitting report issued by the Airport Operators’
Association (AOA).
The report, “The Contribution of Aviation to the UK Economy”, warned that a
UK-only approach to managing aviation’s impact on climate change, would
leave Britain up to £30bn a year worse off and lead to a reduction of almost
three quarters of a million jobs.
As the UK’s second largest airport, London Gatwick is committed to future
sustainable growth. This means balancing the significant benefits it brings to the
local community, regional and UK economies while managing its environmental
impact responsibly.
London Gatwick Airport is a major source of employment in the region, currently
providing jobs for around 24,000 people on airport and a further 13,000 that
are indirectly linked to the airport’s operation.
Commenting on the report, Andy Flower, Managing Director of London Gatwick
Airport, said: “Climate change is a concern for us and we are committed to
working with our partners and other interested parties to reduce the airport’s
impact on the environment while increasing the social and economic benefits it
brings.
“Earlier this year we commissioned our own independent research that
examined the economic benefits of Gatwick. As well as contributing
significantly to the economy of the South East, the research confirms that
Gatwick contributes around £2 billion Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy
– 11% of the total economic contribution made by the UK aviation sector. 1
“We recognise that as we grow we have a responsibility to manage our impact
on the environment. In our Climate Change Report, published earlier this year,
we highlight our plans to reduce the carbon emissions we are directly
responsible for. Additionally we are committed to working with our airlines and
other partners to reduce those emissions we can influence, but not control
directly.
“My priority is to make Gatwick a great airport. This means putting the
passenger at the heart of everything we do by providing great service, investing
in our facilities, being responsible about our growth and ensuring we continue
to provide significant economic and social benefits while minimising our
environmental impact.”
