King will take up the role at the Sussex terminal after ten years with Virgin Atlantic.

He will be tasked with growing Gatwick’s carrier base, with the airport already serving 200 destinations in 80 countries.

King’s appointment follows record November passenger figures for the airport, which processed 2.8 million travellers last month.

The figure marked a 7.3% rise on the same period last year.

King said: “Gatwick is a completely unique airport in so many ways. Serving more passengers from one runway than any other airport in the world with a mix of low-cost, charter airlines and full services and providing passengers with more choice than any other UK airport.

“Long-haul at Gatwick continues to go from strength to strength. I’m looking forward to working with the airport’s existing airlines and the queue of airlines who would like to bring in new routes.”

Guy Stephenson, chief commercial officer for Gatwick said: “Gatwick continues to grow strongly - breaking records as passengers respond to the variety on offer at the airport, low-cost, charter airlines and full services airlines. This year Gatwick has added new routes to destinations in China, Peru, Canada, Costa Rica, Nigeria and the United States.

“Stephen’s experience will be an important asset in Gatwick’s continuing long-haul success story and further route expansion.”