Recommendations on the need to increase air capacity in the South East look likely following a briefing, on Monday, by Sir Howard Davies, chair of the Airport Commission.
The Commission has been tasked by the government to report on national aviation capacity going into the future and is due to submit its findings and recommendations in 2015.
"Aviation is vital as a driver and catalyst to the wider economy" said Caroline Ansell, prospective Conservative MP.
"And, in Eastbourne terms, a second runway at Gatwick represents a once in a generation opportunity for better transport links. Gatwick is strategic to our Tourism, conference trade and language schools. It could be game-changing in our ability to attract new, high end business to the Town, particularly if we can successfully lobby for road improvements between Gatwick and Eastbourne as part of the roll-out. In short, it could mean jobs and investment here."
"I was impressed at the briefing, it was authoritative and comprehensive. Preliminary questions had been considered: 'vectoring', airport resilience (to snow, fire and fog) and, constellation or hub? Climate change and blight were also addressed."
"It was clear that all present understood just what is at stake in the decision on where new capacity is to be created: local fortunes will rise or fall. I have Eastbourne's interests firmly in sight and will press our case with the Commission and the DfT."
"Sir Howard said that 58 different proposals had been submitted and that the Commission was working towards an interim report with a recommended shortlist this December."
"I'm believing Santa has Gatwick on that list."