There could be more people taking airport transfers to London’s Gatwick Airport following news that it has been granted planning permission to operate the world’s largest passenger plane.

The airport has been given the go-ahead for the 555-seat Airbus A380 superjumbo to fly from its runways and has already spent £43 million preparing for it.

The aircraft has been ordered by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic – both of which could operate flights out of Gatwick, leading to a possible rush in airport transfers among people eager to try out the superjumbo. 

The move will see the airport follow in the footsteps of London-based Heathrow and Manchester – who both already accommodate the plane. 

The airport’s 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.

“We are pouring £1 billion into Gatwick to improve the infrastructure, modernise the airport facilities, improve customer service, bolster the rail links and drive competitive rates for airlines to encourage more passengers and airlines to the airport.

“If we can bring the A380 and other large aircraft to Gatwick, passengers will have even more reason to choose to fly to and from our airport and help us on our journey to becoming the London airport of choice.”

Copyright Press Association 2010

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