Gatwick Airport to Host Flights with A380 Superjet

Gatwick Airport has been granted permission to allow flights on A380 aircraft to land on and take off from its runway

Following much speculation, it has now been revealed that Gatwick airport has been granted permission to accept flights aboard the A380. The superjet, which first debuted in 2007, has previously only been able to land at Manchester and London Heathrow, reducing the number of British services that the aircraft could be utilised for.

Coming onto the scene in 2007, Singapore Airlines were the first airline to begin using the aircraft, and expansions to airports around the world were made so as to be able to host the jet. Requiring a larger runaway than other commercial planes, London Gatwick has spent £43m on upgrades, improvements and other necessary steps to enable the A380 to land and take-off safely. With only two UK airports previously being able to host the jet, services aboard the supersized jet have been limited. Following the new permissions, both Virgin Atlantic and British Airways are expected to include the plane on their London Gatwick roster.

Speaking of the future for long-haul A380 routes from the airport, Gatwick chief executive, Stewart Wingate, explained that the plane was far more fuel efficient and modern than its other commercial counterparts, offering more services for customers. He added that being able to host the plane would also aid Gatwick in becoming one of the top international airports in the British Isles.

Customer demand for Gatwick long-haul flights rose by 7% during the past year. As such, the A380's future looks set for a positive ride.

Posted by Lauren, 25 October 2010 14:35

News tags

• Virgin
• British Airways
• London
• London
• Manchester
• Singapore Airlines