British Airways has reaffirmed its commitment to operations from Gatwick.

Bosses met representatives from the community and some of its largest customers at the Sussex airport to allay fears it was pulling out.

Chairman Lord Marshall said the airline's response to the unprecedented tough times it was going through featured in its Future Size and Shape document.

He said: "For Gatwick, it has meant pruning an uneconomic network and recasting the business plan.

"Many long-haul services have gone to Heathrow, where they stand a better chance of contributing to the right side of the profit and loss ledger, and others have been suspended altogether.

"Short-haul activities, on the other hand, are increasing."

Lord Marshall said many suppliers, business partners and associates, including landlord BAA Gatwick, had been through tough times along with the airline.

He was grateful for their support and understanding and looked forward to continued co-operation.

He said: "Make no mistake, British Airways remains committed to Gatwick. We have a long and proud Gatwick pedigree which goes back to 1936.

"Our job now is to focus on Gatwick itself, to create and sustain a viable network geared to Gatwick's natural catchment area and its core markets.

"With British Airways Holidays and Air Miles based here, we will continue to employ about 5,500 people at Gatwick and in the surrounding area.

"We will press on relentlessly with the task of making British Airways more cost-effective, more resilient and more competitive.

We are striving for all-round stability, especially at Gatwick."