Biggin Hill Airport cleared for longer opening hours
A Legacy 600 private jet takes-off from London Biggin Hill Airport.
London Biggin Hill Airport has moved a step closer towards longer opening hours, after the local council agreed to the proposals in principle.
The council says it will now enter discussions with the airport before a final deal is made.
ALSO SEE: LinkinJet offers Global 5000 charter from Biggin Hill
Biggin Hill, in the south of London, had argued that its shorter opening hours put it at a competitive disadvantage compared to other London airports.
Currently the airport is open from 06:30 to 22:00 between Monday and Friday and from 09:00 to 20:00 on Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.
Under the new proposals, the airport would be open between 06:30 and 23:00 between Monday and Saturday and between 08:00 and 23:00 on Sundays and bank holidays.
The proposal will also restrict the number of movements in the early morning and late at night, with a maximum of eight movements permitted between 06:30 and 07:00 from Monday to Saturday and a further eight movements permitted between 22:00 and 23:00.
Following an eight-week consultation period with local residents that saw 76 per cent of respondents vote in favour of the extended opening hours, Bromley Council’s executive committee voted 4-2 in favour of the new proposal.
One key area that the council would like agreement on is with noise levels at the airport
“We have always said that our objectives are to see a successful airport whilst balancing the needs of residents for peace and quiet and this decision has these principles at the heart of them,” said Stephen Carr, leader of Bromley Council Council. “There is still work to do with Biggin Hill Airport Limited before there is a formal agreement.”
Biggin Hill claims it handled 14,000 business aviation movements in 2014.
Robert Walters, business development director, said: “With an expansion of our operating hours, no slot restrictions and the London Heli Shuttle experience we are enabling our customers to gain more control of their time. They can ensure that their transit to and from London is as efficient as possible and have access to range of excellent business aviation support services – including a choice of three FBO’s, extensive hangarage, support and maintenance services for all ranges of business jets.”
