Over the moon at airport jobs

10:01am Wednesday 21st March 2001

BIGGIN Hill Airport chiefs have welcomed the decision by one of the world's leading private jet charter and maintenance companies to start operating from the terminal.

Two weeks ago American firm Jet Aviation started operating from two existing hangers with a total space of 55,830 sq ft, in a development being seen as a step towards greater expansion at the former Second World War air base.

The company, whose headquarters is in the US state of Florida, have operations across Europe where they refurbish, maintain and organise private charter flights.

Welcoming the firm's arrival, which has seen the creation of 25 jobs, Biggin Hill Airport's marketing head Julie Black said the company would only have moved to the airport, its first step into the British market, if it saw a future there.

“It is hugely significant that Jet Aviation has come to Biggin Hill. In 15 years' time there will be more European flights than now and if we do not plan ahead we will outgrow our present facilities.

“Prior to this we did not have any maintenance providers.

“Having Jet Aviation here will offer greater choice for existing clients and will bring new customers in.”

Jet Aviation's president Heinz Kohli said: “This step to purchase a location so close to the city of London was an important strategic move. Our main goal is to provide a better service to our existing customers in the UK and build a new customer base.”

The proposed expansion has run into difficulty this year from Bromley Council and local residents determined to prevent the airport's growth into a major terminal.

The council's head of planning, Stuart McMillan said as long as the airport does not go beyond the limits of its lease and planning laws, the council could not stop any expansion in services.

He said: “The terms of the lease allow for 125,000 aircraft movements at the airport per year. Jet Aviation's proposed take-offs and landings will not take it over the limit.”

Residents bitterly opposed to any extra movements in and out of the airport were guarded in their reaction to Jet Aviation's arrival.

Hugh Bunce, who represents Flight Path, a consortium of local residents' groups opposed to the expansion, said he was pleased for the new jobs that would accompany Jet Aviation's arrival but urged caution and watchfulness for the future.

He said: “We expect Jet Aviation to strictly respect and adhere to terms of the lease, particularly concerning the types of aircraft permitted at Biggin Hill.”

The spokesman said some of the aircraft run by Jet Aviation are not on the council's approved aircraft list for the airport.

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