TAG Key to Farnborough Growth

Britain's Ministry of Defence (MoD) has selected TAG Aviation to run Farnborough Aerodrome when the facility shifts from military to civil operations next year.
TAG's planning a new control tower and instrument landing system, and will upgrade the airport's runway and taxiway system.

TAG also has proposed building a new business aviation terminal and hangars, and extra parking as well. TAG's Richard Gardner says the goal is to create the UK's first dedicated business aviation hub.

"It will offer an exclusive, highly professional, high quality service to corporate business jet users," he says. "At the same time, it will allow SBAC Farnborough International to continue as a global showcase for the world's aerospace companies."

TAG recently filed a planning application with the Rushmoor Borough Council, the local government body.

Gardner is positive about the outcome, and says developing Farnborough will encourage business growth in the surrounding community while giving the airport more of a "year-round" focus.

Farnborough has been the site of nearly 100 years of aviation development, including the first successful flight in the UK by a heavier-than-air machine, piloted by S.F. Cody in 1909.

Expansion led to the creation of the Royal Aircraft Factory, and eventually the Royal Aircraft Establishment was formed, becoming a leader in aeronautics and space research.
Farnborough now is the home of the MoD's Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, and while recent years have seen a steady drop in military research and development flying, business jet movements are on the rise.

By Paul Richfield