Gatwick Airport has launched a new initiative that will use Artificial Intelligence to find local businesses to supply goods and services.

The airport has teamed up with Crawley-based mnAi to help it improve understanding of companies within the local and regional supply chain and the services they can provide.

Locally-based businesses will be found and be sent request proposals and quotes for a range of key projects, as well as supplying goods and services.

London Gatwick’s policy states all procurement-led requests for proposals and quotes will include a minimum of one local or regional supplier, where suitable businesses exist.

Local is defined as being based in one of the 12 postcodes set out in the airport’s second Decade of Change sustainability policy that sets out net zero goals to 2030.

Richard Lennard, economic partnerships manager at London Gatwick said:“As we continue our second Decade of Change, it is vital we increase our understanding of the impact our procurement decisions have on the local economy.

“I am pleased to be working with mnAi to gain greater insight into our local, regional and UK supply chain. This increased transparency will allow Gatwick to seek out and actively include suitable businesses in our RFPs for new opportunities.”

John Cushing, chief executive and founder of mnAi said:“Our partnership with London Gatwick is an alliance that marries innovation with scale.

“It signifies a collaborative step forward for both mnAi and Gatwick, and is a milestone for the local economy. Our shared vision encompasses far more than just local progress; this is a blueprint for what can be achieved nationally.”

Ricky Cowan, managing director of mnAi, added:“This collaboration promises immense potential in the aviation sector. The work London Gatwick is doing by leveraging mnAi’s extensive data sets is simply the tip of the iceberg.

“Our data spans a remarkable range, both in depth and breadth, providing unparalleled insights and actionable intelligence. Given the scale at which we can operate, we’re confident this alliance will unlock unprecedented opportunities not just for Gatwick, but for the industry as a whole.”