London Oxford Airport has announced a 180% increase in the number of heavy jets at the airport in the weeks leading up to the London 2012 Olympic Games.
As well as receiving more Gulfstreams, Global Express and Falcon 7X aircraft, London Oxford also accepted a Boeing Business Jet which, at 77 tons, is the biggest aircraft to ever land at the airport.
The heavy jets arriving at the airport accounted for more than 50 slots and were headed primarily for the USA or Middle East. Investment in the runway bearing strength, a new state-of-the-art Thales radar and enhancements in approach procedures and speed of access to the airport have helped London Oxford to increase its throughput.
The airport’s sister location, The Barclays London Heliport has also reported an increase in activity of 63% during the lead up to the sporting event, with Games sponsors and corporates taking advantage of the fact that the heliport is the only central London landing site permitted for private and chartered helicopter use during the Games.
“We all were waiting to see what the ‘Olympics effect’ was going to be this summer, and despite the fact that many UK-based owners of aircraft booked their annual vacations or temporarily migrated overseas over the period, some putting their business jets in for maintenance, this has been compensated for by new, first time users who have come away with a positive impression about Oxford Airport and London Heliport,” said James Dillon-Godfray, business development director. “Furthermore, we are still seeing that the majority of operators at both airports are booking merely a day or two ahead of schedule, so no real change in their habits.”