Air Partner is a leading provider of private aviation services to industry, commerce,
governments and private individuals worldwide.
Air Partner holds a Royal Warrant from HM Queen Elizabeth II and has 21 offices, in 12 countries including Europe, US, Middle East and Asia.
Ahead of The European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE, www.ebace.aero) in Geneva (22-24th May), Air Partner has signed an 80 year lease with Biggin Hill Airport Limited for a new 115,000 square feet site adjoining the Group’s existing operations. The site will be used to develop a new high security private jet enclave, the nearest such facility to the City of London.
The site, which already has development permission, will have two state of the art aircraft management and maintenance hangars built by 2010. The total capital expenditure of the project is expected to be £5 million.
The first hangar is targeting completion by September 2008 and operational profitability in 2010. The second hangar will be completed in 2009 and is also expected to be operationally profitable two years after completion. Operational running costs for both hangars are expected to be immaterial.
Air Partner currently leases 26,000 square feet at Biggin Hill Airport and from here manages Western Europe’s largest fleet of Lear jets. Biggin Hill, which is located just 14 miles south of the City of London, is London’s last remaining non-slot regulated airport, enabling Air Partner to offer clients greater travel flexibility than existing slot controlled airports. It is also 25 miles closer to the City than rival Farnborough airport in Hampshire.
Biggin Hill Airport hangar complex projection.
Air Partner provides clients with branded private jet services encompassing aircraft management and maintenance (provided by Air Partner’s approved jet service centre), charter services, JetCard sales, block hour contracts and private jet sales.
The new hangars will better enable Air Partner to leverage these private jet services at Biggin Hill Airport and enable the Company to:
- accommodate the Group’s expanding fleet of managed jets;
- increase the growth rate of its management and maintenance service offering;
- continue to offer clients greater flexibility than slot controlled airports;
- leverage Biggin Hill Airport’s unique position for private aviation;
- develop new revenue streams at Biggin Hill.
David Savile, Chief Executive commented: “With private jet manufacturers’ order books at an all-time high, and three year waiting lists the norm, there is also an emerging shortage of quality secure hangars to accommodate these new jets. Air Partner’s new private jet enclave is being developed to service this demand, conveniently close to the City and alongside a runway that has no slot restrictions or congestion. This is another significant step in the Group’s aim to be the provider of choice for private aviation services.”
Robert Walters, Business Development Manager of Biggin Hill Airport Limited commented "We are absolutely delighted to welcome this new investment and service by Air Partner. Biggin Hill Airport is one of London's best kept secrets, and is growing fast. Our business aviation grew considerably last year and is currently running 30% higher this year. The airport is a great place to base aircraft, and this new investment by Air Partner is welcomed and thoroughly compliments the range and facilities already at the airport”
