London Oxford Airport, the UK’s fifth busiest business aviation airport, has upgraded its Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS) to Category 6 (full time).
The upgrade follows the introduction of replacement fire tenders, enabling changes in manned resources, said the airport. Previously, customers had to pre-book and pay for an upgrade from the standard Category 4 RFFS, which required notice. Now, it’s available as standard airport service without any additional charge and on immediate demand.
“This latest development is testament to our investment in and dedication to safety and service, particularly as movements in large cabin private jets at the airport continue to grow,” said managing director Will Curtis.
London Oxford Airport’s business jet movements in 2021 were 33% up over 2020. The last 12 months proved to be its best on record for 15 years, netting a total of 66,000 aircraft movements and 10,000 passengers handled through its OxfordJet FBO. This compares with 46,000 aircraft movements in 2020 and 48,000 in 2019. Total aircraft movements were 57% up on the decade’s average and 44% over year 2020.
“Our popularity as an alternative London airport is partly due to our excellent operating hours – available from 06:00hrs to midnight, seven days a week,” added James Dillon-Godfray, head of business development. “This new assured Category 6 capability gives aircraft operators and flight planning organisations even greater confidence that access is assured for their larger aircraft types – all the time.”
London Oxford Airport can handle regional airliner types such as the Embraer E195 with 100-plus seats on charters through its FBO, plus Boeing BBJ (B737) and Airbus Corporate Jets ACJ320 series bizliners, including the new TwoTwenty (A220 derivative). The enhanced fire cover can facilitate them year-round.
“With business aviation activity 38% up compared with pre-pandemic levels, London Oxford Airport is well positioned to support the prerequisite demand for leading bizjet operators for routine, no-hesitation access,” added Dillon-Godfray. Facilities were bolstered with the November opening of Hangar 15, a 63,000 sq ft (6,000m2), 140m-long hangar, suitable for up to six more Bombardier Global or Gulfstream-sized aircraft.
“As the airport evolves, we will continue to grow our capabilities to ensure we maintain our industry-leading standards across the board,” he concluded.
