A new link to the region’s top trading partner will give South East businesses a boost, as airline Saudia has launched a new service between London Gatwick and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Between April 2022 and March 2023, 17% of all goods and services exported by businesses in Sussex, Surrey and Kent went to Saudi Arabia – more than any other destination. Among the main exports include manufacturing and engineering goods, bio-life sciences, and pharmaceutical items.
These trade volumes – and the jobs they support – will be boosted by this new Saudia route, with the majority of cargo at Gatwick being transported in the belly of long–haul passenger flights.
The service will operate six times per week, increasing to daily from August.
Cargo volumes are also set to more than double if Gatwick’s Northern Runway is brought into routine use – further supporting local businesses and jobs.
Read more here