GATWICK Airport chiefs travel to the region to urge business leaders to back their plans for a second runway.

The airport claims its proposal would offer a bigger economic boost and greater connections for the region’s businesses than alternative schemes to either build a third runway, or extend an existing runway, at Heathrow.

Gatwick's Piers Warburton and Alex Kirby are due to give a presentation to members of the North East Chamber of Commerce on a date due to be fixed shortly.

Gatwick claims its plan for a second runway would:

- Create greater competition among London airports and help other UK airports continue to compete and grow.

- Mean lower fares for regional businesses travelling to London.

- Enhance connectivity from UK regions, giving regional passengers and businesses a genuine choice of two gateway airports in London whilst helping other UK airports continue to compete and grow.

David Whitely, spokesman for Gatwick, said: "The airports debate is of national significance, affecting not just London but passengers and businesses the length and breadth of the UK.

"This event is an invaluable chance to outline why expansion at Gatwick is the best choice for the whole of the UK, delivering more benefits and greater connections for British businesses."

However, Graeme Mason, planning and corporate affairs director for Newcastle Airport, said the best outcome for the region was still a third runway at Heathrow.

He said: “What Gatwick is proposing is a model where the growth of Heathrow is restricted.

“We would see a number of point-to-point airports developing, which would not benefit the North-East.

“While we are not opposed to the expansion of Gatwick, it would not benefit the region and we are strongly supportive of a third runway at Heathrow.”

NECC policy and research manager, Mark Stephenson, is also in favour of expanding Heathrow which he said would be of great benefit to our businesses.

“The North-East’s excellence in opening up links with foreign markets makes connectivity with the rest of the world a key issue.

"Anything that increases capacity, improves access and generally makes it easier to do business abroad must be welcomed.”

The Airports Commission says there is a need for one additional runway in the South-East by 2030.

It has shortlisted three options: building a third runway at Heathrow; lengthening an existing runway at Heathrow; or constructing a second runway at Gatwick.

Led by Sir Howard Davies, the commission is due to deliver its report in summer 2015.