London Gatwick has announced a new chapter in its ownership as Vinci Airports completes the purchase of a 50.01 per cent stake in the airport.

Global Infrastructure Partners will continue to manage the remaining 49.99 per cent interest in Gatwick.

Now part of a global network of 46 airports in 12 countries, Gatwick teams will have access to broader opportunities particularly in international career development and in-house training.

As the world’s most efficient single runway airport, Gatwick will also share best practice with Vinci Airports as the company continues to pursue its operational improvement strategy.

David Higgins, Stewart Wingate and Nick Dunn will remain respectively chairman, chief executive and chief financial officer of the airport, and will be joined by Cédric Laurier, from Vinci Airports, as chief technical officer.

The airport’s ambitious plans for the future remain, with a further £1.1 billion capital investment programme set to deliver a range of passenger improvements by 2023.

Nicolas Notebaert, chief executive of Vinci Concessions and president of Vinci Airports, said: “This partnership marks the beginning of a very exciting future for London Gatwick and Vinci Airports.

“Applying our joint skills will add significant value to both Vinci Airports and London Gatwick Airport and benefit all our stakeholders, notably airlines and passengers.”

Since December 2009, Gatwick has grown passenger numbers from 32 million to more than 46 million in 2019.

Gatwick has also achieved much success in growing its long-haul network, with over 60 long haul routes now available across Asia, North and South America and beyond.
Gatwick flies to more destinations than any other UK airport.

Recent route launches include Shanghai, Rio De Janeiro and San Francisco.