Biggin Hill -- Slot Free and Looking for Larger Market Share

Biggin Hill, the famous Battle of Britain aerodrome just 12 miles from the center of London, once reverberated to the roar of Merlin engines as its Spitfires and Hurricanes scrambled in defense of the city. Now, sixty years later, the battle is commercial - to win market share among corporate jets as a gateway to the capital.

London Biggin Hill Airport received a major shot in the arm this year with Jet Aviation's opening of a $5 million FBO and maintenance center there. "This represents a quantum jump in the stature and capability of the airport," according to Biggin Hill Airport marketing manager Julie Black. "Jet Aviation brings a whole new customer base and gives us a global marketing push."

The relationship is symbiotic. Jet Aviation will benefit from the airport company's investments in infrastructure (including a recent upgrade of security and perimeter fencing), while the airport will see an increase in movements and become even better known. The two will cooperate on marketing, yet compete on aircraft handling and FBO services.

Biggin Hill logged 11,000 executive aircraft movements last year, up 16% from the year before. "That compares with a 3% growth in business aviation in Europe," said Black. "And before September 11, we had been running 26% ahead."

The airport now has 28 based business jets, and is seeing more charter business. "We're also getting more inquiries for aircraft to be based here," said Black.

While Biggin Hill is slot free, the airport company is seeking to improve access through blanket extension of its operating hours to 06.30 - 22.00 hrs. from 07.30-21.00. This will take approval of the local council, which already allows limited one-time waivers.

Efforts are also being made to improve road access with additional signage for easier routes from the M25 London ring road.

"We're just 45 minutes from central London by limo," said Black, "which is as close as any airport in the London area, even London City Airport." But realizing that the road journey can be the most grueling part of the trip, Biggin Hill makes every effort to speed executives from the airplane to the airport gate, she added.

Helicopter charter is available from several operators on the airfield for the 12-minute flight to London Metro (ex-Battersea) heliport "and a couple of business jet clients do that on a regular commuting basis," Black said.

The London Biggin Hill Airport management company began offering FBO and handling services for civil flights at RAF Northolt from last July. Black reports business is booming, but growth will be limited as the airport is legally restricted to just 7,000 civil movements a year. "We could easily double that," she added.

London Biggin Hill Airport is represented here at EBACE at Booth 7612.