easyJet and Gatwick have signed a new strategic commercial partnership that will enable the airline to grow its leading presence at the airport.

This agreement represents a move away from traditional economic regulation being based on the industry leading ‘Commitments and Contracts’ framework endorsed by the CAA in its February 2014 final decision on the future economic regulation for Gatwick.

The airport had been constrained by RAB-based regulation since 1986.

This innovation encourages growth for airlines as well as delivering better service levels and competitive prices for passengers.

Stewart Wingate, chief executive of London Gatwick, said: “This partnership with easyJet is a landmark deal in London Gatwick’s history.

“Four years after the end of the BAA monopoly at the airport, this partnership highlights how far we have come to be able to operate within a new framework of commitments and contracts.

“For passengers travelling with easyJet, they will have more choice, competitive fares and an even better experience.

“It is positive news for both business and leisure passengers travelling with easyJet from Gatwick.”

easyJet has a very successful history at Gatwick and has grown to be the airport’s largest airline, serving over 100 destinations.

Recent years have seen easyJet significantly grow its market for both the leisure and business passenger and it now serves 45 of the top 50 business routes in Europe from Gatwick.

Gatwick’s Commitments framework significantly reduces the heavy regulatory burden on the airlines and airport whilst protecting passenger interests.

Specifically, it allows the airport to offer incentives through competitive charges and tailored service offerings, in return for a growth commitment from its airlines.