Story ID: 
Air Partner expands at Biggin Hill
By: Charles Alcock
Caption: Executive charter group Air Partner has received approval to build a 175,000-sq-ft business aviation enclave at London Biggin Hill Airport.
Word Count: 223
Executive charter group Air Partner has received approval to build a 175,000-sq-ft business aviation enclave at London Biggin Hill Airport. The $14 million development will house its own charter fleet and accommodate aircraft, crew and passengers of other operators. The construction work will be complete by the end of next year, but the company will start marketing the space next month.Air Partner is the world’s largest aircraft charter broker and has seen strong growth in its executive charter division. In October 2006 it acquired Biggin Hill-based operator Gold Air to give it direct access to a fleet that now includes six Bombardier Learjet 45s, one Learjet 40XR and a Challenger 300.Biggin Hill is located 14 miles south of London’s financial district and it is the UK capital’s only remaining airport that is not subject to slot restrictions. It can take up to 125,000 movements each year and, unlike alternatives such as Farnborough Airport, still has ample room for more business jets.The new business aviation enclave will be accessed via a secure approach road. It will consist of an executive terminal, connected to a mezzanine flight operations center, and will also offer office space and room for maintenance services. The hangar will have a door-span of just over 300 feet and will be able to accommodate more than 20 aircraft, including the Boeing Business Jet.