London Gatwick is committed to being a partner and advocate for a thriving, resilient economy and contribute to local and regional workforce skills partnerships and initiatives. We look to use our position as a regional economic anchor to foster long-term, sustainable economic growth and inward investment.
Our latest research (below), by leading economists Oxera shows that the airport also supported over 76,000 jobs.
The majority of this vital economic activity took place in six local authority areas across the South East - West Sussex, East Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Brighton and Hove and Croydon, as shown in this animation (left).
In 2025, we hosted our fourth Economic Summit. The summit brought together more than 200 influential delegates from across the region as we continue making strides towards our goal of supporting long-term, sustainable growth in our local and regional economies.
The Summit – “A New Era – Regional Growth Powered by London Gatwick” – was chaired by investment expert and editor of Real FDI, Courtney Fingar, and focused on three key economic opportunities for the Gatwick Region: industrial strategy growth sectors, international transport gateway infrastructure, and devolution in the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone (AEZ).
The programme featured keynote addresses and panel discussions with prominent regional and national leaders, including London Gatwick’s new Chief Executive, Pierre-Hugues Schmit, who reflected on opportunities presented by the Northern Runway Project and his early months in leadership.
Other speakers included: Anna Leach, Chief Economist at the Institute of Directors; John Edwards, Director & Chief Operating Officer at the Office for Investment; Steven Lynch MBE, Director for International Trade at the British Chambers of Commerce; and Mark Rogers, Interim Chief Officer at the Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority.
The afternoon featured an interactive session discussing the Airport Economic Zone, offering delegates an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge and insights with fellow stakeholders. The day concluded with a regional wine tasting – hosted by Danny Edwards of Great British Wine Tours – showcasing one of the area’s most distinctive visitor economy assets.
Chantelle at One Resourcing has helped find jobs for hundreds of people at the airport. From security officers to cabin crew and ground support, we're at the heart of local employment.
Over 300 apprentices have started their career with us. Billy joined us as an Engineering Apprentice and is now a qualified Technician. He's looking forward to growing as part of the Gatwick family. Billy was named ‘Apprentice of the Year’ at the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards 2024.
Peek-a-boo Cakes is just one of the small businesses we’re happy to support. Jo says, along with many others, she wouldn’t be where she is today without the airport on her doorstep.
We have a strong programme of community investment. We support a range of initiatives and events across Surrey, Sussex and Kent.
We support initiatives that promote careers in STEM subjects, which are core skills needed to work at the airport.
We inform, inspire and invest in young people and we open up the world of opportunities to everyone. We support early careers and skills.