London Biggin Hill Airport said it expects more growth this year after logging a 12 percent increase in business aviation traffic in 2018, per the latest data from WingX Advance. That makes it one of the fastest-growing airports in Europe over the past 12 months, as well as bucks the overall 1 percent decline last year in business aviation activity at London-area airports.
“The London Heli Shuttle service, extension of the opening hours, competitive handling fees and charges, and the absence of slot restrictions has fuelled this success, with much of the activity stemming from the charter market,” said Biggin Hill business development director Robert Walters. “Following significant investment in recent years, we have had an extraordinarily successful 2018. During December, we led the London market in terms of charter requests and saw a big increase in large-cabin aircraft movements of more than 25 percent.”
Meanwhile, the airport continues its commitment to local education, outreach, and training that will support ongoing growth at the airport. Last week, it appointed five new apprentices, who will assist with the daily operation of the hangar and ramp, moving aircraft, and supporting customers. Also last week, it launched a new initiative—Unite to Inspire—that encourages young people to pursue STEM subjects by demonstrating how this path can lead to “stimulating” jobs within aerospace.