Thames Valley: London Oxford Airport reports business aviation on the up

London Oxford Airport has reported a steady increase in business aviation activity over the past twelve months. As the fastest-growing privately-owned airport for private business aviation in the UK over the past five years, it aspires to be recognised as a new option for commercial airline services within the Thames Valley.

For the period February 2014 to February 2015, the airport reported a growth of 7.5% year on year in commercial business aviation flights. 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.

London Oxford Airport has seen growth over the past year in the type of aircrafts, with Cessna Citation up to Bombardier Global Express among others taking advantage of the airport’s opening hours, customs and immigration service, and competitive pricing.

The overall increase has been driven by visitor aircraft choosing its convenient location with easy access to west London.

Andi Pargeter, managing director, commented: “We are especially pleased to be seeing more activity from heavy business jets and ultra-long range jets. 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.”

The airport also reports dramatic growth in air cargo movements with a 90% rise in dedicated cargo aircraft arrivals year on year. 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,” added 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.