The GTMC, the UK’s leading professional industry body representing travel management companies, has welcomed London Gatwick Airport as its first airport partner, reinforcing the airport’s commitment to the corporate travel market.

London Gatwick Airport is the UK’s second largest airport and the busiest single-runway airport in the world.

It serves around 200 destinations (more than any other UK airport) in 90 countries for 34 million passengers a year on short and long haul point-to-point services.

It is also a major economic driver for the South-East region, generating around 23,000 on-airport jobs and a further 13,000 jobs through related activities.

Guy Stephenson, chief commercial officer, London Gatwick Airport, said: “London Gatwick and the GTMC are pleased to be forging a partnership to grow opportunities to serve the business traveller.

“Gatwick has invested £900m to date to drive improvements in the airport experience, delivering speed and quality across the passenger journey from premium parking close to the terminals, award winning new security processes including a dedicated premium security channel, quality business lounges, great rail links to central London, and immigration processes that exceeded national standards. 

“We’ll also look after our guests with free wi-fi and fine dining at Jamie’s Italian restaurant.

“Gatwick shares the GTMC vision that it is key to deliver the best standard of service, quality and value to the business traveller and will continue to work together to make this a reality.”

Gatwick Airport is owned by group of international investment funds, of which Global Infrastructure Partners is the majority shareholder.

The GTMC now has thirty partners drawn from a diverse range of suppliers including airlines, hotel companies, rail and car rental companies, technology companies and a number of ancillary service providers.

GTMC, chief executive, Paul Wait said: “To act for the benefit of the business traveler is at the core of GTMC activities and travelling by air has certainly had its challenges.  Gatwick Airport is clearly showing its commitment to the corporate community with its investment in services. 

“Through the partnership with the GTMC the airport will be able to showcase the airport to the most influential representatives of the UK business travel industry and fully participate in events including contributing input and presenting to the GTMC air strategy group.”