Gatwick says it won't be the end of its expansion plans if government supports Heathrow
Gatwick has announced that it will go ahead with plans for a second runway, regardless of whether it receives government backing for the move.
Prime minister David Cameron is due to announce the government's decision on whether it plans to support Gatwick or Heathrow next month.
"I don't think it can possibly be the end of it," Gatwick chief executive Steward Wingate told the Sunday Telegraph.
"I think the government decision is an important milestone, but we are going to lose our appetite and build a second runway?
"Our belief is, Heathrow is undeliverable. This is going to be multi-year event."
Earlier this year, the Airports Commission published a report which recommended that the government give its backing to Heathrow, the larger of the two airports.
Gatwick executives have criticised the report on a number of points, particularly air pollution.
Wingate dismissed suggestions that he would resign if the West Sussex airport fails to get the go ahead.
That came as 50 business leaders signed a letter sent to the newspaper which read: "It seems the government may be drawn into yet another lengthy consultation on aviation capacity, resulting in further delays and uncertainty.
"The government must show strong, determined leadership and press ahead as swiftly as possible with a third runway at Heathrow as recommended by the Airports Commission."
The signatures on the letter included the chief executive officers of WPP, ICAP, Aberdeen Asset Management and the British Chambers of Commerce.