Story ID: 329 LyonBron.doc
Lyon Bron seeks to lure Mideast jets
By: Thierry Dubois
Caption: Dedicated business aviation platform will have a BBJ-sized hangar from next year.
Word Count: 252
Lyon Bron Airport (Stand 313) is exhibiting for the first time at MEBA in a bid to increase traffic from the Middle East. The business aviation platform of France’s second city is thus here promoting its new capabilities for dedicated business jet handling.

The number of flights to Lyon from the Gulf region has been low so far, at 10-15 per year, according to general manager Didier Pianelli. He is counting on new facilities to lure more. In the fourth quarter of 2015, the H14 hangar will accommodate two ACJs or BBJs. The neighboring B14 building will offer 9,700 sq ft on two “flexible” floors, for charter companies and caterers. An extra apron, just built, is available for four large-cabin business jets. All this comes on top of a long-established FBO and other, smaller hangars.

Lyon Bron is not as well known as other airports closer to the Alps, such as Chambéry and Geneva. Nevertheless, Pianelli believes it has attractive features. “We have no ATC slot constraint, plenty of parking space and cheaper fees,” he said. Moreover, Lyon Bron is open at night and the approach is easier than some famous ones that are surrounded by mountains, he pointed out.

Therefore, he suggested passengers might want to fly by helicopter from Lyon Bron to their final destination. Lyon is also endeavoring to become a final destination, itself, and has already enjoyed some success thanks to its gourmet culture, Unesco World Heritage district and trendy nightlife.