Post published:11/01/2022
Post category:Latest Member News
Reading time:5 mins read

London Oxford Airport has commenced the New Year with a significant upgrade of its Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS) to Category 6. The enhanced status follows the introduction of replacement fire tenders, allowing for associated changes in manned resources at the UK’s fifth busiest business aviation 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. A further advantage, especially for operators coming in with larger business jets, is that the airport can be a viable alternative for weather-related (or other diversion reasons) from elsewhere. Operators coming in with larger aircraft types will have the peace of mind that the requisite fire cover is now always available.

“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,” commented Will Curtis, London Oxford Airport’s Managing Director.

The airport has welcomed an increased number of long-range and ultra-long range business jets these past 12 months, with customers from further afield finding London Oxford Airport to be a convenient and hassle-free option for access to the north and west side of London, as well as the Thames Valley.

Bizjet movements up over 30% in 2021

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 (when the Reuben Brothers acquired the airport from BBA Aviation) netting a total 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 James 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.

About London Oxford Airport

London Oxford Airport is wholly owned by the Reuben Brothers. Reuben Brothers’ investment activities include private equity, real estate ownership and development. Businesses include shopping centres, racecourses, public houses, hotels, technology and media businesses. At the end of February 2012, the Reubens purchased the London Heliport at London Battersea, the UK’s only CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) licensed heliport. The Heliport is a 22-minute helicopter ride from London Oxford Airport.

For further information contact:

James Dillon-Godfray

Head of Business Development

London Oxford Airport

Tel: +44 (0) 1865 290 710 E: jdg@londonoxfordairport.com

@LOXOXFEGTK

@OxfordAirportUK

Emerald Media

Tel: +44 (0) 1420 560094

Mobile +44 (0) 7721 882939

E: communications@emeraldmedia.co.uk

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Paul Cremer

My name is Paul Cremer, and this marks my 42nd year working within the business and general aviation industry. Over this time, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing a diverse array of sector activities, ranging from aircraft charter and management to air ambulance services, ground operations, air traffic control, airport management, technology implementation, and the outsourcing services I currently manage.

In my role focused on delivering advisory, technology, and outsourcing services to aviation customers, I handle a wide spectrum of responsibilities. This includes overseeing International Trip Support, Operations Control Centre Services (OCC), Continuing Airworthiness Management Service (CAMO), Airworthiness Reviews, ARC Services, Aircraft Delivery and Re-delivery Support Services, Maintenance Coordination Services including AOG, Tech Ops (Maintenance Control Centre), and managing myairops software products. As the Head of Aviation Delivery, I lead the customer-facing delivery of Technology & Outsourcing products and services for the market, drawing upon a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and industry connections within Gama Aviation’s Technology and Outsourcing Strategic Business Unit.

My journey into Business and General Aviation began during my teenage years while still in school. I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into the industry, starting at a flying club, and later working at the Air Traffic Services Unit at Blackbushe Airport. There, I maintained the ATC Movement Logs in the Control Tower during weekends, solidifying my passion for aviation. Upon completing my schooling, I seized opportunities at Fairoaks Airport, where I began as Ground Crew while pursuing my Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer’s license. Advancements in my career led me to the role of Air Traffic Services Manager.

Since joining Gama Aviation in 1996, I’ve held various positions, including Operations Manager (Post Holder), Operations & Commercial Manager, Commercial Manager, Operations Delivery Manager, Head of Business Aviation Delivery, and currently, Head of Aviation Delivery. This role encompasses Gama Aviation Group’s Gama Aviation, myairops, and FlyerTech companies.

In 2023, I was honoured to be invited to serve as the Chair of the Operations Working Group for the British Business & General Aviation Association. This opportunity allows me to contribute to industry initiatives within BBGA’s membership of nearly 200 industry companies, focusing on challenges such as regulatory compliance, Air Services Agreements, technological advancements, workforce development, operational matters, and sustainability.

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Marc Bailey has spent his entire career in aviation and has worked in most areas of Aviation Services with scheduled airlines, MRO’s, military contract support and latterly with associations, government, and its agencies.

Marc represents your position in Europe (even post Brexit) – as President of ECOGAS (European Council of General Aviation Support) which maintains a voice with EASA. All the major member states are represented on the ECOGAS board. With EASA restructuring its meetings with industry, ECOGAS is now well positioned to represent our position in all areas following industry partnerships with the European Independent Maintenance Group and with ARPAS the new drone and autonomous association.

Marc is chair of the UKASF (United Kingdom Airworthiness Strategic Forum) as part of an initiative to develop Aviation Services across all aviation activities. The UKASF pulls together airlines, MROs, Rotary, Drones, and commercial GA bodies to work with CAA and DfT. The objective is for industry to take the lead to drive strategic issues to benefit all parties. We are well positioned after four years to continue our good work and with the re-established role of Chief Surveyor in the CAA we have a good focal point to do this.

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The next Generation initiatives with industry and government have continued to develop with the retention platform now evolving into the “Aviation Skills Recruitment Platform”. The platform now not only offers a vehicle for those offering and seeking posts in aviation, it also provides pathways with its TalentView portion seeking to provide pathways for new entrants into our sector. The recruitment platform is being further developed to include training opportunities across a wide range of providers, from government agencies through academic bodies. Getting our next generation activities right in the UK over the next couple of years is our single most important issue which we in aviation must grab with both hands. Marc is playing a central role to help develop many of these channels.

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