Gatwick Airport is really coming up and demonstrating that they are definitely giving Heathrow competition as one of London’s premier airports, especially for long haul flights. They have recently added Cathay Pacific to their long haul line up, with four weekly departures to Hong Kong, with connections to other destinations on the mainland.
Cathay Pacific offers three non-stop flights from the UK to Hong Kong and then beyond. Along with Cathay Dragon, its sister airline, UK travelers will be able to connect to other destinations on the mainland from Hong Kong.
Cathay Pacific general manager Europe has said they are focused on providing more choice and flexibility, which reflects Gatwick’s desire to access Asian markets. According to Guy Stephenson, chief commercial officer for Gatwick Airport, these long haul flights provide a gateway to China, providing unparalleled access to the strong Asian market.
As Gatwick continues to make these sorts of changes as well as improving transit to the airport and providing better connectivity, we start to see them as a definite contender for an additional runway. With their growth and even expanding access with long haul flights, they seem to be on a continued upward and outward trajectory.
Gatwick, being such an aggressive contender for future expansion and marketing themselves as a hub for international commerce, and this very important access to the Asian market, they are poised to become a formidable force in aviation business. With the addition of these long haul flights, Heathrow better look out!