Press release from Emerald Media
20 March, 2015

London Oxford Airport reports business aviation movements on the up.

London Oxford Airport reports a steady increase in Business Aviation activity over the last twelve months. For the period February 2014 to February 2015 the airport reports a growth of 7.5 % year on year in commercial business aviation flights (those flown by AOC operators). In particular it notes a peak growth for the period September 2014 to February 2015, with monthly movements peaking at an average of 20% over the six-month period with September showing an overall growth of 28%.

The increase in activity has been generated by more flights originating from the USA, Canada and CIS countries, with aircraft arriving regularly from Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary. These expanding markets serve to complement London Oxford’s established Western European activity and the trend is expected to continue in line with the anticipated rise in the growth of the business economy.

London Oxford Airport has seen growth over the last year in the type of aircrafts with Cessna Citation up to Bombardier Global Express, amongst others taking advantage of the airports opening hours, customs and immigration service, and competitive pricing. The overall increase has been driven by visitor aircraft choosing London Oxford Airport owing to its convenient location, and easy access to west London.

“We are especially pleased to be seeing more activity from heavy business jets and ultra-long range jets, with regular arrivals and departures served by Global Express, Gulfstream and Challenger aircraft. In addition to the visiting aircraft London Oxford Airport is currently home to over 35 business aircraft of which seven are in the mid to heavy jet category” said Andi Pargeter, Managing Director.

The airport also reports dramatic growth in air cargo movements with a 90% rise in dedicated cargo aircraft arrivals year on year from a variety of aircraft from Fairchild Metroliners through to ATR42 and Antonov An26 models. The increased activity builds on the 100% growth in 2013. The rise is partially driven by the needs of local industry to receive cargo for just-in-time production line activity. “We expect this growth to continue as the economy returns to a more stable condition,” adds Ms Pargeter.

London Oxford Airport remains confident of resuming a small number of scheduled air services as early as the end of this year. It was encouraged by remarks in the recent Budget pertinent to the launch of a development fund for new regional routes.

Editor’s note:
London Oxford Airport is wholly owned by the Reuben Brothers. Their investment activities include private equity, real estate ownership and development.  Businesses include; data centres, racecourses, public houses, hotels, mining and metal storage, technology and media.  At the end of February 2012 the Reubens purchased the London Heliport at London Battersea, the UK’s only CAA licensed heliport.  The Heliport is a 22-minute helicopter ride from London Oxford Airport.  London Oxford Airport has been the fastest growing privately owned airport for private business aviation in the United Kingdom over the last five years and aspires to be recognised as a new option for commercial airline services within the Thames Valley region, North West of London.

“The information, opinions and views set out in this article are those of the BACA member which submitted it for distribution and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the Baltic Air Charter Association. Responsibility for the views expressed in the article lie entirely with the author(s).”