London – 18 June 2025: London Biggin Hill Airport is today announcing it is the first airport in the UK to trial a non-crude oil-based asphalt binder – and the world’s first to do so on an operational taxiway.
Known as Bio-Bitumen, the asphalt binder is made from renewable resources, specifically a combination of naturally occurring hydrocarbon resin and an organic extract. The material was installed during a live demonstration, conducted by Associated Asphalt Contracting Ltd, together with their partners B2SQUARE – Bitumen Beyond Oil, attended by aviation and paving experts at London Biggin Hill Airport in May.
Tony Embling, Head of Technical Services, London Biggin Hill Airport, says: “As we work towards our goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2029, we’re committed to driving meaningful progress towards more sustainable initiatives. This project reflects London Biggin Hill Airport’s proud history of innovation, from pioneering air-to-air communications during the First World War, to today’s trials of new taxiway materials under live operational conditions. It’s a significant milestone for the industry as we work to develop more resilient, lower-impact infrastructure.”
Derek Lock, Business Development Consultant, Associated Asphalt Contracting Ltd, says: “This is a unique opportunity to test durability, flexibility and surface performance in conditions far more demanding than traditional road surfaces. Through this project, we’ll be gathering valuable data from a real-world setting to support the use of more sustainable materials that meet the standards of aviation environments.”
Frank Albrecht, CEO, B2SQUARE – Bitumen Beyond Oil, adds: “We’re presented with a great opportunity to demonstrate the viability of bitumen alternatives and highlight their commercial and environmental potential across the sector. By working in partnership with Associated Asphalt, and their client London Biggin Hill Airport, we’ve been able to progress beyond controlled testing to an operational taxiway, used daily by business aircraft. We look forward to seeing how this project accelerates the conversation around more scalable, sustainable infrastructure solutions.”
About London Biggin Hill Airport
London Biggin Hill Airport is the only dedicated business aviation airport within the capital and is home to more than 70 resident aviation companies. Located 12 miles from central London, it offers award-winning handling, a choice of FBOs, extensive hangarage, support and maintenance services for all ranges of business jets.
A designated UK Port of Entry, London Biggin Hill is free of runway slot constraints. An exclusive six-minute helicopter transfer service to and from the heart of London, the London Heli-shuttle, makes it the fastest transfer of any London airport.
There are very few places in the world other than London Biggin Hill where aircraft operators and support companies can conduct all aspects of their business operations, management and maintenance at the heart of a global city and with the confidence in their ability to expand and develop over time.
