London Oxford Airport see 25% traffic increase
Airport reports increase on activity in the first two weeks of September.
London Oxford Airport reports a record fortnight of activity in the first two weeks of September with up to 10 heavy jet movements per day on several days and a 25% increase in overall business aircraft traffic compared with the same period last year. Most of the transcontinental movements including Bombardier Global Express and Gulfstream IVs and 550 aircraft were first time users of the airport, reflecting that international exposure reaped during the run up to the Olympic Games may have had lasting benefits.
The airport experienced an increase in heavy jet movements ahead of the Games in July. Over 50 slots were filled by this category (compared with 18 over the same period last year) including Gulfstream V/550, Bombardier Global Express and Dassault Falcon 7X aircraft along with the airport’s first Boeing Business Jet, representing 180% increase. London Oxford also sold 40% more fuel over same period compared with 2011.
For the peak slot coordinated Olympics period (21st July to 15th August) Oxford filled over 600 business aircraft slots, ranking 5th in the south east region behind Luton, Farnborough, Biggin and Stansted. In that same run up to the Games before the opening ceremony, Barclays London Heliport, jointly owned with London Oxford, also saw a 63% increase over the same period last year, the normally quiet holiday season.
Fly Vectra, bsed at London Oxxford has added a Cessna Citation XLS+ to its fleet. Fly Vectra CEO Captain Edward Noel commented “Adding the XLS+ to our fleet enables us to compete effectively with other newer types on the market. The aircraft features on board WIFI/Airshow system and Satcom. Fly Vectra is only the second UK operator of the XLS+ and is seeking to attract clients from all over the UK and Northern Europe.”
London Oxford has completed on one of the first new office blocks to be constructed at the airport for 20 years. The first of the three storey buildings has been constructed at the entrance to the airport. A new four lane entrance and security reception building is also planned. Furthermore, London Oxford Airport plans to explore expanding its 150 bedroom accommodation complex to a 350-bedroom facility.
The London Heliport and London Oxford Airport are offering significant discounts on jets at Oxford interlining with helicopters originated or destined for the Battersea-based, central London heliport, which is typically just a 22-minute helicopter ride from Oxford.
