PLANS to expand Gatwick Airport have been hailed as a “significant milestone” by Ports of Jersey’s chief executive – who has said it could bring “opportunities” to the Island’s economy and connectivity.
Matt Thomas made the comments after UK transport secretary Heidi Alexander said she was “minded to approve” multi-billion-pound expansion plans that would bring Gatwick’s northern runway into routine use.
The deadline for a final decision has been extended to 27 October.
Mr Thomas said: “This development marks a significant milestone in investment in constrained London airport capacity. The additional landing and take-off slots created should enable airlines to be more efficient and schedules more reliable, as well as
adding opportunities for growth in route networks.
“We look forward to the opportunities this expansion will bring to our community, to the Island’s connectivity and our wider economy.”
In a statement, Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “We welcome today’s announcement that the secretary of state for transport is minded to approve our northern runway plans and has outlined a clear pathway to full approval later in the year.
“It is vital that any planning conditions attached to the final approval enable us to make a decision to invest £2.2bn in this project and realise the full benefits of bringing the northern runway into routine use.
“We will of course engage fully in the extended process for a final decision.”
