SQ
 

Wow, definitely did not see this one coming! :) Absolutely fantastic news, a brilliant way to conclude what has been an extraordinary and successful year for Gatwick as far as carrier and route growth are concerned. Having SQ is a huge win for LGW, probably LGW's biggest catch since CX returned to Gatwick in 2016, considering Singapore Airlines' strong reputation and global recognition as one of the world's premier airlines. I am also especially happy to see that the A359 will be serving this route, which has been a phenomenal aircraft in and of itself that has been well received by passengers - a great alternative to the LHR service. I wonder what terminal SQ will be using? (hopefully South).

Cathay Pacific, its your turn now!

I believe Singapore Airlines will be using the North Terminal.

As soon as I read that Singapore Airlines we're coming to LGW in June 2024 I immediately thought of you. I knew that you would be excited by the news.

Great news indeed and as you say very unexpected but very welcome nonetheless 😀

You summed it up nicely in your above post and I feel that I needn't add anything else. Except for a Merry Christmas to you.

As I usually write after previous long haul announcements. Who will be the next long-haul airline to announce LGW?

Gatwick’s amazing year
 

Gatwick Airport has probably had the best year out of any airport in the world for growth this year. Insane amount of airlines including Ethiopian, air india, saudia, Lufthansa, the three main China airlines, air Mauritius, delta coming back and many more as well as these and now Singapore Airlines known to many as the best airline in the world.

If airlines like these announce Gatwick flights any airline could start. Working at easyJet I have heard rumours of airlines that could start in the near future.

Azerbaijan especially recently is one to watch. Air Zimbabwe, Air Tanzania could also be in the pipeline. I honestly believe next year could be just as incredible as this year for longhaul announcements. Hopefully cathay come back, air China and china eastern expand operations and many more new routes started.

A bit over excited I think :ok: How many extra pax/flights do these airlines add?

It is not always just about extra flights and passengers. Attracting quality long haul and short haul airlines always helps to enhance reputation which in turn attracts other entrants. This then can attract more flights and passengers.
Gatwick has had a good year in terms of route expansion and I expect more to follow.

Fair point, and LGW has has some interesting additions but for perspective the three EZY A.320's being added at BHX will probably add more terminal throughput than the airlines listed.

You're right, now also confirmed on SQ's website. Does anyone know whether a new airline has a choice of terminal at LGW? Or is terminal allocation decided by GIP/VINCI? Surprised they are operating from the North, considering they've got a 25% stake in their Star Alliance partner, Air India, who are in the South Terminal. I personally prefer the South, owing to the train station being within close proximity, and the fact that the place looks and feels that much more modern compared to the North Terminal (although I am aware it is currently undergoing renovations in the departure lounge).

RE. CX, this will be an interesting one to watch, now with SQ having just announced LGW, an airline, that, let's face it, we never thought would come to Gatwick. Cathay Pacific's capacity on LHR-HKG is down on pre-Covid, but continues to increase, with the airline removing the sole remaining A350-1000 service (CX257/238) so that it will become an up to 5 daily 77W operation from March onwards. So hopefully they will return to LGW. I am sure SQ will do well at LGW, just as CX were doing up until 2020. The A350 has been a breakthrough in allowing FSNCs to open up new thinner long haul routes, and from a passenger point of view, is a joy to fly on.

"Fair point, and LGW has has some interesting additions but for perspective the three EZY A.320's being added at BHX will probably add more terminal throughput than the airlines listed."

But those aircraft had to be removed due to the fact that Ezy had to return slots to BA, who have, in turn, increased their shorthaul fleet at Lgw. In fact, BA now has about 10 A321 based there, with all the A319 aircraft gone, so they have probably increased lift by quite a lot.

Apologies if we wasn't clear but I responding to the comment "Gatwick Airport has probably had the best year out of any airport in the world for growth this year. "

Arguably the addition of 3 A.320's at BHX operating 3 or so rotations a day will create greater growth in passenger numbers at BHX than the additional airlines listed will at LGW. I've not checked the rest of the world :ok:

So your saying Birminghams three extra easyJet provides better growth than these airlines. Not to mention British Airways longhaul and shorthaul increases, Vueling increases, Turkish increases, Norse new routes, the list goes on.

find an airport with more longhaul growth this year I’ll wait.

Ooooh!

Maybe after the meltdowns that Gatwick have had this year they need to prove their existing schedule will work next summer before adding new flights.

Who will be next?
 

Given the extraordinary success LGW has had in attracting new airlines to the airport this year, and with the very nice surprise of SQ coming to LGW for the first time next year, the question remains: Who do people think will be next to join? :)

Santa's due tonight! :ok:

Is that for Customs or a fuel stop

Freight. ;)

With Lgw adding and seeking to add more operators offering business class, I think Lgw management would need to take a closer look at the offerings from the various lounges that operate there. I have been through most(not BA) and have been far from impressed on cleanliness, quality of food and maintenance of toilet areas etc. If Lgw want to send out a message that they can compete with Lhr, especially to airlines that also operate from Lhr, this is an area that needs improvement.

The departures area of LHR is considered to be an area outside the UK... to reach landside, one has to show a passport or your face has to match a photo taken when you entered airside.

At LGW, is this the same, or is the departures area considered to be filled with people who have already entered the UK ?
My guess is that LGW is treated differently from LHR... but as someone who lives in London I've never changed between 2 flights at LGW and never seen the path taken by passengers with an onward (self-)connection