Cambridge Airport new strategy six months on
Airport is increasing business aviation movements with revenues growing
Cambridge Airport is marking the first six months following its
implementation of a new commercial strategy. With a new dedicated airport management
team in place, the airport has developed its business aviation movements year
on year by 18%, fuel sales are up by 41% and it has seen a jump in parking fee
revenue of 50%.
The airport has seen its biggest growth area from new
brokers, operators and private owners with a significant number of charters
originating in France and Germany.
“Newmarket Race Course continues to bring us business and we are observing
significant spikes in executive jet and charter helicopter flights on race
days,” says airport director Archie
Garden. Increased
business movements have been complemented by a growth in Air Ambulance flights
with patients heading to renowned local hospitals Addenbrookes, which recently
opened a new trauma unit and Papworth
Hospital.
“We have been promoting our specific benefits which
include 24/7 capability with no slot restrictions; proximity to the City of
London as well as the local academic, industrial and scientific communities of
Cambridge; and uncongested airspace making us an attractive option for those
wanting to avoid busy London skies,” says Garden.
The airport will be aiming to implement a number of
significant initiatives before the end of the year. A franchised FBO will be
confirmed by the end of the year; the GPS approach system should be operational
by September which will consolidate the training offering. “The airline sector
is also within our sights as we continue to establish relationships with
commercial airlines to develop city-hopper services between European cities,”
says Garden.
Supporting the business aviation infrastructure
growth Cambridge
has also recently made available significant hangar space on either side of the
airport’s FBO. The hangars which were previously occupied by the long
established Cessna Service Centre, which has moved to another location on the
airport, offer heating, air conditioning and potential for office space. “We
anticipate an operator will move into this premium location shortly and are
already in advanced talks with a number of businesses,” commented Garden.
A network of aviation representatives including
Northpoint Aviation has also been instigated which will support communicating
key benefits to charter users and travel arrangers in conjunction with the
airports business development team.
