London Gatwick establishes advisory board to guide Airport Economic Zone strategy

London Gatwick has established an interim Strategic Advisory Board to help shape the development of the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone (AEZ), a business-led initiative intended to support long-term economic growth, investment and collaboration across the region.

imageL London Gatwick Airport Economic Zone

The new board held its inaugural meeting this week and will provide strategic oversight for the Airport Economic Zone as it moves from its initial development phase towards a longer-term governance structure.

Julie Kapsalis, Chief Executive of the Chichester College Group and Chair of Coast to Capital's Business Leaders Group, has been appointed co-chair of the board. The group brings together representatives from business, local government, higher education and other regional organisations.

The Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone launched in 2025 and aims to strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors, attract inward investment and promote economic development across an area spanning parts of Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

The interim board has been established for an initial 12-month period to help develop the governance framework for the Airport Economic Zone, identify strategic priorities and strengthen engagement with regional stakeholders. Its work will also focus on promoting the region as an investment destination and supporting projects that enhance productivity, skills and connectivity.

London Gatwick said the Airport Economic Zone is intended to build on the airport's role as an economic anchor for the South East. The airport is the UK's second-busiest by passenger numbers and supports a broad network of businesses through aviation, logistics, tourism and international trade. The airport has also argued that investment in surface transport, skills and commercial development could generate wider economic benefits across the surrounding region.

The interim Strategic Advisory Board is expected to guide the next phase of the Airport Economic Zone's development before a permanent governance structure is established. Its recommendations will inform future work to attract investment, encourage business collaboration and support sustainable economic growth across the Gatwick region.