BAA has finally relinquished control of Gatwick airport to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP).

The new owners are promising a new era of competition between the London Airports, more efficient operations, and a better passenger experience – as a regular traveller through Gatwick, I can’t wait!

Sir David Rowlands, the newly-appointed Chairman of Gatwick’s Board, said: “Gatwick is now a major independent airport company and from today, for the first time ever, it is competing directly with Heathrow, Stansted and Luton, as well as with our other airport, London City, in a competitive London airports market.

“Gatwick will be competing vigorously against all London airports for point-to-point, short-haul and long-haul routes and passengers.

“Our plan is to gain a competitive edge by modernising Gatwick, providing more efficient operations for airlines and a better experience for passengers and to do this as cost effectively as possible.

“We intend Gatwick to become the airport of choice for airlines and passengers in our target market.”

BAA has today confirmed the formal completion of its sale of Gatwick Airport to Global Infrastructure Partners.