easyJet and Gatwick have announced a new strategic commercial partnership that will enable the airline to grow its leading presence at the airport. The deal will also focus on ensuring easyJet passengers continue to receive the very best service.
Gatwick has been constrained by RAB-based regulation since 1986. 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.
This innovation encourages growth for airlines as well as delivering better service levels and competitive prices for passengers.
Stewart Wingate, CEO 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.”
Carolyn McCall, CEO of easyJet, said: “Gatwick is our largest base so it is of strategic importance to secure this new agreement with Gatwick Airport.
“This agreement gives easyJet certainty on passenger charges over the next seven years and a clear incentive to continue to grow. More importantly, it will create a framework for easyJet and Gatwick to plan and deliver an improved experience for our passengers.
“Our shared ambition is for Gatwick to be both our biggest and best airport.”
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.