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Oxford Airport, November 2007 - Oxford airport has commenced a further stage of its development with the acquisition of a third, large capacity fire tender which will ultimately enable the airport to raise its fire and rescue cover (RFFS) to Category 6 on demand, whilst also giving the go-ahead to establish a stronger aircraft apron area suitable for aircraft types such as the Boeing BBJ and Airbus A318 Elite.
The brand new wider and stronger runway at Oxford now permits heavier business jet types such as the Global Express and Gulfstream V(550) to operate on a commercial basis along with typical regional aircraft types such as the BAe 146/RJ family and the Dash-8-Q400. However, with the new 3,500m2, high bearing strength apron, aircraft with maximum weights in excess of 77 tonnes such as the BBJ, will now be adequately accommodated.
Once the fire and rescue capability is raised with Cat 6 RFFS as an option, such larger business aircraft and regional airliners will have access to Oxford on a chartered and commercial basis for the first time. A Flybe Dash-8-Q400 recently trialled the new runway, the first of the type to do so at Oxford (pictured).
Now under new ownership since July 2007, throughout 2008, there will be further enhancements at the airport, specifically for the business aviation sector, including the provision of further hangarage, adding to the 170,000 sq.ft. already established. A world-class business aviation terminal and an increase in opening hour availability are also planned to be in place early in the year. Unlike several restricted airports around London, Oxford has the potential to be available from 06:00hrs to midnight, seven days a week, but initially will be open from 06:30hrs to 10:30hrs, a clear advantage over Farnborough, Biggin Hill, Northolt and London City. Just over an hour’s drive away from the west end of London, Oxford now represents a very convenient, unconstrained and easy access alternative to the established ‘London’ airport choices, outside of the congested London TMA (terminal movement area) airspace with no capacity or slot issues.
For further information, hi-res images and enquiries contact:
James Dillon-Godfray
Head of Marketing & Development
Tel: +44(0)1865 290 710
Fax: +44(0)1865 290 605
e-mail: jdg@oxfordairport.co.uk
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