Gatwick is ready to compete for more long-haul traffic after being granted planning permission to operate the A380 super-jumbo jet.
The airport has already invested £43m in six new large aircraft stands, two of which are suitable for the A380 double-decker aircraft.
The planning approval granted by Crawley Borough Council puts Gatwick on an equal footing with Heathrow to compete for business from long-haul airlines operating the A380.
Manchester is the only other airport with approval to handle the world’s largest passenger aircraft.
Gatwick said it would be ramping up discussions with airlines that currently operate the A380 and with airlines that have placed orders for the aircraft.
Chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “The Airbus A380 represents the future of long-haul aviation. It’s modern, more efficient and uses less fuel per passenger and we want Gatwick to be at the centre of this exciting new era of long-haul travel."
By Linsey McNeill
