London Gatwick welcomes first electric flight in push for sustainable business travel
The first electric aircraft to land at London Gatwick touched down on 9 July as part of the VINCI Airports Network Elektro Tour, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of sustainable business travel.
This 17-day, 50-flight leg tour, featuring the Pipistrel Velis Electro, the first certified electric plane, showcases innovative strides in decarbonised aviation by connecting VINCI airports in France with London Gatwick.
Coinciding with the delivery of 47 new electric vehicles at the airport, including airside operations and engineering cars, the event underscores Gatwick’s commitment to achieving net zero for its own emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 2030 through a £250m decarbonisation programme. The airport has also invested £14m in 14 electric tram buses, set to operate by early 2026, which will save 17.7 tCO2e in carbon emissions annually as part of its broader sustainability strategy.
For UK-based business travellers, this development is particularly relevant as it signals a tangible step towards greener aviation, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable travel options that minimise environmental impact while maintaining efficient connectivity. The Elektro Tour and Gatwick’s electric vehicle initiatives demonstrate how airports are adapting to support eco-conscious business travel, offering travellers the opportunity to align their corporate travel policies with sustainability goals. As a leading UK-based travel management company, Global Travel Management recognises the importance of such innovations for clients who prioritise both efficiency and environmental responsibility in their business travel plans.
Mark Johnston, Chief Operating Officer at London Gatwick, said: “We’re pleased to welcome the VINCI Airport’s Elektro Tour team to the airport, this might just be the smallest aircraft to ever land at London Gatwick! We’re proud to be playing our part in supporting wider efforts to decarbonise the aviation sector. Our vision is to be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey, and as we grow, we must do it sustainably. Our transition to an electric vehicle fleet is just one example of our Decade of Change sustainability strategy in action.”
Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, added: “The pioneering electric flight at London Gatwick and the airport’s broader sustainability efforts provide our clients with confidence that their business travel through this key hub is becoming more environmentally responsible, supporting their corporate sustainability objectives without compromising on connectivity or convenience.
The Elektro Tour, which began in Lyon on 1 July and involves nine VINCI airports, serves as an early-stage proof of concept for electric aviation, highlighting the potential for future scalability. Gatwick’s commitment to transitioning its entire 300-strong vehicle fleet to fully electric by 2030 further reinforces its leadership in sustainable airport operations. These initiatives not only reduce carbon emissions but also enhance the travel experience for business travellers by ensuring smoother, greener operations at one of the UK’s busiest airports.
For further information about how these developments can enhance your business travel experience, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.
