Britain's second-largest airport is up for tender just four weeks after a preliminary report by the Competition Commission recommend the break up of the airport operator.

Nearly £2bn

CC value the London terminus at £1.8bn and interest has been expressed by Virgin's Richard Branson, Australian company Macquarie, Germany's Fraport, German infrastructure investors, Hochtief and the Manchester Airport Group.

Steve Ridgway, chief executive at Virgin Atlantic said they were "delighted" the uncertainty was over and would "relish" bidding for Gatwick with a consortium.

Decided to sell immediately

BAA have apparently jumped the gun as the CC's full report is not due until next year - it's believed they will recommend the sale of Gatwick AND Standsted.

The decision to sell was taken quickly after the report was published and the process was started "immediately". BAA chief executive Colin Matthews said:

"Gatwick has long been an important and valuable part of BAA and the decision to sell was not taken lightly."

The Spanish owned company has categorically ruled out selling the world’s busiest airport Heathrow.

The company also owns airports at Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen in Scotland, and Southampton.

Aviation crisis the motive?

Owners Ferrovial were expected to back off taking bids until the full report is released early next year - but the current crisis in the aviation industry of high fuel prices, bankrupt airlines and falling consumer confidence may have prompted the early move.

Virgin Atlantic's Richard Branson confirmed to Sky News earlier in the month that he intends to bid.

Potential partners spoken to by the millionaire entrepreneur, include the Dubai royal family. He should expect stiff competition for London's second busiest airport.

Photo: Gatwick airport information