London City Airport’s Growth good for Economy

London Thames Gateway's success depends on its transport infrastructure. London City Airport is a jewel in the region's crown, bringing positive change to the region's business community and playing an integral part in London Thames Gateway's continuing economic success.

London City Airport www.londoncityairport.com in the Royal Docks brings investment to the region in the form of business travellers from 33 UK and European destinations. Located close to the financial districts of Canary Wharf and the City of London, the airport is a vital element of the region's transport infrastructure and provides the business traveller with quick and easy access to the continent.

So what does the future hold for business travellers visiting London Thames Gateway? The good news is that in response to the Government's Aviation White Paper, 'The Future of Air Transport' (December 2003), in 2006 east London's favourite airport mapped out how it could develop to enable passenger numbers to grow from 2.4 million passengers a year (mppa) in 2006 to eight mppa by 2030. Not only would this make a significant contribution to London Thames Gateway's future economy but London City Airport also plan to do this using the existing runway. Overall this could lead to the creation of 2,700 new jobs.

Gateway to London welcomes the growth of the airport and further investment in Newham and the surrounding boroughs. This is vital for the continued financial success of London Thames Gateway and will ensure that the airport can grow to meet the demands of London's economy.

More recently, to put wheels in motion, London City Airport submitted a planning application to Newham council that would enable the growth of the airport up to 2010. This application relies on greater use of existing or previously consented infrastructure for an increase in annual flight movements to 120,000 from the current level of 80,000. This is expected to generate 1,000 additional jobs.

Keeping competitors on their toes, London City Airport will also have new twice daily business class flights to New York from 2009. Launched by British Airways these will be the first ever transatlantic flights from the airport.