Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone Emerges as a New UK Economic Powerhouse with £155 Billion Contribution

After six months of meticulous preparation by a specialized taskforce comprising both public and private sector experts, the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone (AEZ) officially launched today at the United Kingdom Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds. This landmark initiative positions the region surrounding London Gatwick Airport as the UK’s first “aviation-powered economic zone,” reinforcing its role as a major economic engine driving growth and investment in the country.

A Region That Drives Seven Percent of the UK Economy

The Gatwick Region AEZ represents a staggering Gross Value Added (GVA) of £155 billion, equating to roughly seven percent of the entire UK economy. To put this into perspective, this economic output surpasses the combined economies of Northern Ireland and Wales, which together contribute approximately £123 billion. This new economic zone encapsulates a wide geographical area that includes West Sussex, East Sussex, Brighton & Hove, Surrey, Croydon, and Kent — regions united by their proximity to one of the UK’s most vital transportation hubs, London Gatwick Airport.

Uniting Airports and Surrounding Regions for Economic Growth

Airport Economic Zones are an innovative model designed to harness the full economic potential of airports alongside the surrounding communities and businesses. By integrating the interests and capabilities of these diverse stakeholders, AEZs foster collaboration to promote regional strengths and encourage new investments. The Gatwick Region AEZ exemplifies this approach by leveraging the airport’s connectivity and infrastructure, creating a compelling proposition for developers, investors, and businesses looking to scale operations efficiently.

Showcasing the Region at UKREiiF

At UKREiiF, a high-profile event recognized as the UK’s premier forum for real estate, investment, and infrastructure, a delegation of 27 partners from both public and private sectors unveiled the Gatwick Region AEZ and its freshly designed brand identity. Their joint mission is to present the region’s dynamic economic landscape and attract global investment into this burgeoning hub.

The new branding serves as a critical milestone in forging a coherent and easily recognisable identity for the Gatwick Region AEZ. This cohesive image aims to unify diverse local authorities, businesses, and institutions under a shared vision for growth and innovation. While the current AEZ boundaries include the aforementioned counties and boroughs, planners have designed the zone’s limits to remain adaptable, enabling seamless inclusion of adjacent areas that demonstrate growth potential.

A Thriving Hub of Innovation and Industry

The Gatwick Region AEZ distinguishes itself not only through its economic scale but also by its rich concentration of academic institutions and industry clusters. The region houses several leading universities renowned for research and innovation, which feed into key sectors such as aerospace, clean energy, life sciences, creative industries, and advanced manufacturing.

London Gatwick Airport itself anchors the zone as the UK’s second largest airport by passenger numbers, providing robust domestic and international connections. This accessibility enhances the region’s appeal as a location for companies that require seamless travel and logistics capabilities. Additionally, the surrounding infrastructure, including road and rail networks, supports efficient movement of goods and people, reinforcing the area’s suitability for business growth and development.

Economic and Strategic Importance

The creation of the Gatwick Region AEZ reflects a strategic commitment to leveraging the synergies between aviation and regional economic development. Airports are more than transit points; they serve as catalysts for job creation, trade facilitation, and innovation. By establishing this AEZ, stakeholders aim to capture these benefits more systematically and strategically, delivering long-term value to the UK economy.

Furthermore, this initiative aligns with broader government objectives to decentralize economic activity away from London’s core and promote growth in surrounding regions. By doing so, it helps rebalance the UK’s economic geography, fostering inclusive development that benefits a wider population.

Launching the new Gatwick Regional Airport Economic Zone at this year’s UKREiiF, Stewart Wingate, Chief Executive, London Gatwick, said: “A new economic powerhouse has arrived to drive growth and investment across this outstanding region with London Gatwick at its heart.

“The airport is an economic anchor for the South East and provides seamless access to both global and domestic markets. Forming the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone is part of our future plans to deliver economic growth and give the region a powerful single voice and recognisable identity to help unlock new investment, trade and tourism opportunities.”

Driving Investment and Development

The launch of the Gatwick Region AEZ comes at a crucial time when investors are increasingly seeking resilient and growth-oriented locations in the UK. The clear, unified brand and collaborative approach provide confidence to developers and financiers that the region is a prime destination for capital deployment.

The AEZ offers significant opportunities across commercial real estate, industrial parks, innovation hubs, and infrastructure projects. Investors can tap into a versatile economic ecosystem supported by skilled labour, world-class research facilities, and cutting-edge industries.

Collaboration Fuels Success

The success of this initiative hinges on the strong cooperation between multiple stakeholders, including local governments, businesses, universities, and the airport authority. Their combined expertise and resources have shaped a comprehensive vision and practical roadmap for the AEZ’s development.

The taskforce’s six months of intensive preparatory work included detailed economic analysis, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning to ensure the AEZ meets current and future needs. This foundation empowers the region to pursue ambitious projects, create quality jobs, and stimulate sustainable growth.

Looking Ahead

As the Gatwick Region AEZ sets out to realize its full potential, continuous efforts will focus on expanding its influence and refining its offerings to meet evolving market demands. Flexibility in its boundaries and proactive engagement with neighbouring regions enable the AEZ to remain responsive and inclusive.

The collaborative platform established by the AEZ promises to unlock fresh investment, facilitate innovation, and strengthen the UK’s position as a global economic leader. With London Gatwick as its beating heart, the region stands poised to transform into a world-class economic zone where aviation and industry together drive prosperity and opportunity.

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