Gatwick Airport 'very pleased' with new runway proposal

The chief executive of London Gatwick airport has said he is 'very pleased' that Gatwick has been recognised in the shortlist.

Chief executive Stewart Wingate said: "Expansion at London Gatwick can give the country the economic benefits it needs."

"It is the only option which can the deliver the right type of capacity for the UK as it is the only airport serving all airlines models including both low cost and legacy airlines as well as both transfer passengers and people flying direct.

"I welcome the growing local support over the last year for our proposals. We do not take any of it for granted and we will do everything we can to engage with local people in the months ahead - including formal consultation on our proposals in the spring.

"The real debate starts now, not least on the environmental impacts and business case of each option. There is a lot of hard work ahead and intense scrutiny ahead but we are confident that by Summer 2015 there will be a wide recognition that expansion at Gatwick is the right choice for the future.”