London City Airport : Our community

London City Airport in the community

Since opening in 1987 London City Airport has developed a wealth of relationships with local communities and contributed significantly to the regeneration of the Docklands area. Through regular and voluntary interaction with community partners – residents, schools, colleges, hospitals, charities, local businesses, landowners, developers and other stakeholders, as well as local boroughs – the airport works towards accomplishing its goal - to reach out and support local projects and initiatives, whilst at the same time developing its business.

The airport's communities are encouraged to take an active interest in the operation. It is realised that neighbours are interested in the impact the airport’s operation has on their lives and so communication and consultation with them is a priority.

The airport has developed and implemented a comprehensive community relations programme that focuses primarily on local education and employment initiatives, but also includes environmental and health and fitness programmes. By investing in the future of local young, employing local people and working to minimise the impacts of our business and maintaining an open dialogue with the community is important in shaping the future of London City Airport and the community in which we operate.

Comment from Richard Gooding OBE, Chief Executive of London City Airport:

London City Airport has been a catalyst for regeneration in a region with so much economic and social deprivation. We strive to be a good neighbour, engaging with our closest communities, and receive widespread support for our growth plans.

As the largest private sector employment site in Newham almost 2,000 people already work at the airport, 70 per cent of whom are employed from within the local area. Approval of the airport’s planning application would mean around 1,000 more jobs would be created on the airport site, mostly for local people.

The airport carries out extensive community relations programmes, supporting local schools and enriching the lives of students by offering a range of opportunities to advance their studies that would not normally be available to them.

Simply put, education leads to employment. London City Airport provides both. The airport has a proven 21-year track record in providing tangible benefits to local residents.

The economic importance of the expansion of London City Airport is also rightly supported by London’s Mayor, Boris Johnson, who recognises and supports the economic contribution and employment opportunities the airport provides for Newham’s residents.

London City Airport is applying for permission to grow in order to meet the economic and employment demands in the local area.