The study revealed about 80% of flights from Farnborough Airport were related either directly or indirectly to supporting UK business and inward investment. Flights  from the airport are mainly of “high economic impact, time-sensitive in nature and essential in purpose” it concluded. The economic value created by the airport was also said to generate the equivalent of 23,000 full-time employee (FTE) jobs.

The research evidences the value of business aviation to the UK economy and in particular the role of Farnborough Airport in supporting growth and investment, said Louise Hellem, chief economist, CBI Economics. “It is striking the impact that the business aviation sector has on the UK economy, in particular the economic opportunity it creates and the importance of the sector in driving UK competitiveness and growth,” she said.

Simon Geere, CEO, Farnborough Airport added: “These latest findings from CBI Economics support what we have been saying for some time, that the role of business aviation in driving inward investment and creating economic opportunity within the UK is both significant and demonstrable.”

The airport has a critical role to play in supporting economic growth – both at a local level and also across the wider UK, he said. “With Farnborough Airport serving smaller-lighter aircraft, our environmental footprint is a fraction of that of a traditional commercial passenger airport, yet our economic output relative to our size is completely unsurpassed.” 

The research also quantifies the value to the UK of the proposed increase in flights at Farnborough Airport from 50,000 to 70,000 per year, with an additional £1.4bn of GVA being generated within the UK economy every year. More flights would also create an extra 17,900 FTE jobs, claimed the researchers.

The latest research follows an economic assessment last year undertaken by York Aviation, which was submitted last year to Rushmoor Borough Council as part of the airport’s planning application to increase its annual flights from 50,000 to 70,000. This claimed the localised economic impact of Farnborough Airport supported 2,600 jobs and injected £170m of GVA into the local economy each year. This contributed, it was said, to making Rushmoor one of the fastest growing Local Authorities in the UK, according to data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The CBI Economics report is entitled ‘Getting Business Going – The economic benefits to UK plc of business aviation at Farnborough Airport’.

Farnborough Airport was said to create the equivalent of 23,000 full-time employee jobs.

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The new four-bay hangar, covering 175,000sq ft (16.25sq m), will double the temperature-controlled storage space at the airport. Contractors are expected to begin the build in June 2022 after planning was granted by Hampshire council in January. “This investment reveals the long-term commitment of airport owners Macquarie Funds to Farnborough,” said Simon Geere, CEO of Farnborough Airport.

Farnborough also revealed a partnership with Vertical Aerospace to explore launching eVTOL services from the airport. An airport spokesperson told Corporate Jet Investor: “We have entered into an agreement with Vertical Aerospace to work jointly together to better understand the requirements of eVTOL infrastructure at an airport such as Farnborough. The opportunities for eVTOL operations are part of the work that is being undertaken.” Both parties are understood to be working towards making eVTOL services operational on site by 2030.

Geere told Corporate Jet Investor: “While it may be hard to see electrification being the solution to long haul and larger aircraft, it is a possible solution to smaller aircraft and short-haul flights, which is what we have.” Short-haul flights within the UK and Europe make up 90% of operations from the airport, with long haul accounting for the remainder.

Although acknowledging the need for significant eVTOL development, Geere looked forward to the prospect of quicker connections from the airport to the City of London. “We want to build upon our pioneering legacy, we want to be seen as innovators,” he said. “So, working with Vertical is exciting for us. It’s early days and we don’t know where it is going to take us, but it is a space we definitely need to be in.”

Geere also highlighted Farnborough’s green credentials. In 2018, Farnborough became the first airport to achieve carbon neutrality. Since airport continues to work towards greater carbon offsetting through various schemes and projects such as Corsia (Carbon Offsetting and Reductions Scheme for International Aviation).  “We all have a role to play with sustainability and carbon emissions,” said Geere. “We are all aware that aviation is the highest carbon emitting form of transport, so raising awareness and framing what we need to do. The challenge is: How do we move forward for a sustainable future? Here at Farnborough, sustainability is in our DNA and always will be.”

Farnborough Airport, acquired by Macquarie in 2019, is the base for 56 aircraft. It is also home to one of NetJets’ largest operations in Europe. The airport’s clients include: managed operators accounting for 45% of business and corporate/private owners and fractional operators both accounting for 20%. Charter operators account for 15% of business.

Private Airport – Farnborough Airport UK

Vertical Aerospace – Pioneering electric aviation – Vertical Aerospace (vertical-aerospace.com)

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Pilatus’s first jet, the PC-24, is equally suited to cater for business owners, corporate organisations, or special mission operators, according to Oriens Aviation. “It has strong special-mission capabilities. From an air ambulance requirement to anyone who refuses to travel light with the large cargo door and internal baggage area, alongside the ability to serve remote areas via short, unpaved, and unimproved runways and strips,” he said.

Brenninkmeyer traces the launch of the PC-24 to the success of its elder sister, the PC-12 turboprop. “The success of the PC-12 – characterised by its ability to land in short fields, large cargo door and big spacious cabin – created a niche in the market in terms of versatility,” he said.

“The feedback from the market was that owners loved the PC-12 – they just wanted it to go faster. That’s what led to the development and launch of the super versatile PC-24 jet.”

Go faster it certainly does. The PC-24 has a maximum cruise speed of 440 ktas (815 km/hr) compared with her older sister’s more modest 290 ktas (537.08 km/hr) for the PC-12 NGX. The jet also has longer legs, with a maximum range of 2,000 nm (3,704 km) at long range cruise power and 4 passengers compared with 1,803 nm (3,339 km) for the PC-12.

The PC-24 was certified both in the US and Europe in 2017, with first deliveries beginning in 2018. There are just over 40 PC-24s operating in Europe, according to Oriens Aviation sales director Sacha Demelo.

Scale up or scale down

The twin jet is equally suitable for business aircraft owners who want to scale up or scale down their usage, he says. “We find a lot of interest from PC-12 owners who want to scale up to fly to further destinations – such as southern Spain or Italy – more quickly. Equally, we find people who are downsizing from larger jets,” says Demelo.

“Some owners realise that downsizing to a PC-24 from a bigger business jet is not that much of a downsize but offers significantly lower operating costs.”

Brenninkmeyer takes up the theme: “The operating costs are comparable to a light jet but the cabin is comparable to almost a mid-size jet. Plus, you have all the versatility of a turboprop with the ability to land on short, unimproved runways.”

This will prove a telling advantage in the post Covid-19 world, they believe. The PC-24’s landing distance over a 50ft obstacle is 2,375 ft (724 m), which opens up a range of smaller scale airports. This comes at a time when commercial airlines are struggling to rebuild airline schedules – particularly regional airline schedules – after the carnage of Covid-19.

Evidence to back the claim is supplied by Pilatus. There are around 10,650 airports worldwide that offer access to aircraft able to operate on runways of 3,130 ft (954 m), it claimed. There are an additional 880 airports that become available when your aircraft needs only 2,930 feet (893 m). Both runway categories have to be paved.

“Now, let’s look at the number of runways around the world that offer a length of at least 2,930 ft (893 m) but feature unpaved surfaces – like grass or gravel,” according to Pilatus’s website. “The number is almost 20,000. So, with the PC-24, you will have access to almost 100% more airports around the world. That means you can fly closer to your final destination than with any other business jet.”

Demelo believes business users will find this a compelling proposition. “Businesses want to avoid putting their senior management team on commercial aircraft but still need to fly from site to site within Europe, often using smaller runways than are available in the US.” To date, typical users in Europe are successful entrepreneurs rather than corporates – although companies like Volkswagen choose to operate a fleet of PC-24s.

Brenninkmeyer believes the twin jet will appeal to the new owners who have moved into business aviation for the first time, as a direct result of Covid-19. “The PC-24 is a new product, which is why we are demonstrating the aircraft to people so they can touch it, feel it, and understand what it is all about.”

The PC-24 base price is $10.82m for a 2022 delivery. The price of typically equipped models is about $11.7m. Corporate Jet Investor visited the PC-24 at Farnborough Airport in June.

PC-24 on video tour

Earlier this month Pilatus launched a three-part video tour series of the PC-24 twin jet in order to beat Covid-19 travel restrictions. The first videos feature the OEM’s test pilot Matthew ‘Fish’ Hartkop explaining the features and benefits of the jet’s design, systems, cockpit layout, flying qualities and performance. In the final video, to be released tomorrow (August 13th), Pilatus project manager Marta Esquer Cerezo highlights the aircraft’s comfort and size, flat floor, cargo area, and seating layout and forward lavatory.

Pilatus worked with Honeywell to design the Advanced Cockpit Environment. The design, featuring 12-inch screens, is intended to reduce pilot workload, improving operational safety, and allows the PC-24 to be single-pilot certified. A new automatic yaw trim function is said to further cut flight crew workload during departure and climb phases.

Pilatus’s new CEO Markus Bucher said: “Interest in seeing the PC-24 first-hand has been tremendous and we wish we could host everyone personally here at the factory in Switzerland. Until we get that opportunity, this video tour is the next best alternative.”

PC-24 – at a glance

– Max range: 2,106 nm (3,900 km) at long range cruise power

– Max cruise speed: 440 KTAS (815 km/hr)

– Two Williams International FJ44-4A-QPM engines

– Each provide 3,420 lbf of continuous thrust

– Cabin: 501 ft³ (14.20m³) with flat floor

– Seats up to 11 passengers and one pilot

– Baggage compartment: 90ft³ (2.5m³) internal and pressurised

– Certified for single pilot operations

– Base price: $10.82m.

Top: Oriens Aviation pilot Paul Mulcahy, director of flight operations, who flew the PC-24 into

Farnborough Airport. “The aircraft has the handling feel of a big jet but the agility of a little jet.”

Above: Pilatus worked with Honeywell to design the Advanced Cockpit Environment. The design,

featuring 12-inch screens, is intended to reduce pilot workload, improving operational safety.

Bottom: Tough in the rough. The PC-24 was accorded has full rough field certification last year.

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CEO Simon Geere said: “The introduction of SAF at Farnborough Airport is a major milestone in our sustainability programme, and we are pleased to be able to offer Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel by working with our fuel provider, World Fuel Services.”

Geere said the service would play an integral part in delivering the UK government’s targets for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

In 2018, Farnborough Airport was the first business aviation airport to be awarded carbon neutral status by Airports Council International (ACI) Europe. It has reduced controllable emissions by 70% in the past 10 years.

The Neste MY SAF available at Farnborough Airport is produced 100% from renewable and sustainable waste and residual raw materials, such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste.

Neste is also providing SAF for group charter, and air ambulance company, Jetflite and Million Air Burbank FBO.

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“We are in advanced discussions with EASA about the certification of both models and expect to receive the certifications in the balance of this quarter,” Perry, who is Textron Aviation’s vice president, Sales, Europe, told Corporate Jet Investor. He is speaking to me in The Business Centre at Farnborough Airport, 40 miles south west of London. Sitting outside on the apron (ramp) enjoying the blustery, intermittent spring sunshine is the first King Air 360.

“The aircraft outside is the prototype and has arrived from Wichita as part of a worldwide demonstration tour,” says Perry. “We expect to take it as far east as Kazakhstan, probably exiting through Turkey and across the Middle East to Africa, where there is a lot of interest for this model.”

So, what distinguishes the King Air 360 from its older brother the King Air 350? Key differences include: the new Innovative Solutions and Support (IS&S) ThrustSense Autothrottle, an upgraded interior and a new digital pressurisation system.

The autothrottle is designed to support pilots by automatically managing engine power from the take-off roll through the climb, cruise, descent, go-around and landing phases of flight. The design is said to cut pilot workload and enhance the ability to monitor flight performance in order to prevent over-speed or under-speed, over-temp and over-torque conditions.

Also new in the cockpit is the digital pressurisation controller, which automatically sets cabin pressurisation in the climb and descent, again reducing pilot workload and improving passenger comfort. The pressurisation displays are integrated with the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion flight deck.

The upgraded cabin pressurisation system results in a lower cabin altitude at the aircraft’s certified ceiling of 35,000ft, delivering a more comfortable flight for passengers.

King Air 360 buyers can choose from six interior schemes, featuring craftsman-built cabinetry, partitions and side ledges. Standard amenities on the King Air range include pull-out worktables, power outlets, USB charging stations and a private aft toilet.

Meanwhile, the King Air 260 is also equipped with the IS&S ThrustSense Autothrottle system, and digital cabin pressurisation. Both the King Air 260 and 360 aircraft also feature the Collins Multi-Scan RTA-4112 weather radar.

At present in Europe, the corporate and business sectors of the market are relatively quiet compared with the charter and leisure sectors, says Perry. “But even without that traditional corporate business use, worldwide utilisation rates outside of Europe have climbed back to levels above 2019,” he adds. European customers are said to like the King Air 350 for its extended cabin. It has also proved popular with special missions providers due to its endurance and payload capacity.

The basic price for a King Air 360 is $8.39m for a 2021 delivery. But the overall purchase price in Europe is higher due to the regulatory requirement to fit extra equipment – such as a flight data recorder – to this class of aircraft. The King Air 260, which has a basic price of $7.05m, is not subject to this regulation. But don’t expect an early delivery. “We are sold out of King Air 260s in Europe until the fourth quarter of this year. It’s proving very popular over here,” he says.

Perry believes the King Airs are particularly suited to the European market, which has closer city pairs than in the North American market. Last year, the manufacturer sold more turboprops than jets in Europe. “There was certainly an indication the market was very interested in the quality of King Airs. That is because they are twin engine, have low operating costs and are very practical.”

The Covid-19 pandemic is unlikely to leave a major legacy for business aviation, according to Perry. “I don’t think that the post-Covid landscape is so different from the pre-Covid landscape.” Utilisation rates are returning or exceeding 2019 levels and the leisure market has proved resilient. There are signs too in Europe of a return to more corporate and business flights. “Private aviation is relatively resilient compared to commercial aviation,” he says. It offers a way for High-Net Worth Individuals to protect the health, security and well-being of their families, workforce and customers, he adds.

Returning to the King Air’s pedigree, Perry sums up: “This is the latest iteration of a product that has been with us for a generation. There are 7,600 in service, with about 400 of these in Europe. So, it’s not a novel concept but it’s good that we are continuing to invest in the product to bring it up to date and to equip it with the latest features the market is looking for. And that’s what we are going to continue to do – not just with the King Airs but other products as well.”

Meet the new King Airs – at a glance

King Air 360

• Max range: 1,806 nm
• Max cruise speed: 312 ktas
• Max occupants: 11
• Useful load: 5,145 lbs
• Take-off distance: 3,300 ft
• Basic price: $8.39m for 2021 delivery.

King Air 260

• Max range: 1,720 nm
• Max cruise speed: 310 ktas
• Max occupants: 9
• Useful load: 3,760 lbs
• Take-off distance: 2,111 ft
• Basic price: $7.05m.

Top: Tom Perry, Textron Aviation’s vice president, Sales, Europe, introduces

Corporate Jet Investor to the new King Air 360 at Farnborough Airport, UK.

Above: The King Air 360 cabin can accommodates up to 11 passengers.

Below: The upgraded cockpit features the new IS&S ThrustSense Autothrottle.

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The facility is 225,000-square foot (20,903-sqm), accommodating up to 13 large-cabin aircraft, including the Gulfstream G650, G650ER and the Gulfstream G700. Named Gulfstream Farnborough, the operation offers maintenance, repair and overhaul services, as well as interior refurbishments and after-market modifications. 

“Gulfstream Farnborough is already seeing great demand,” said Derek Zimmerman, President, Gulfstream Customer Support. “This opening marks the completion of another goal in our overarching strategy to enhance convenience and increase options for our customers. The new facilities we are building can better accommodate more of the increasingly popular large-cabin Gulfstream aircraft our customers are flying around the world.”  

In line with Gulfstream’s and Farnborough’s sustainability strategy, the facility has been designed with the environment in mind. Rainwater harvesting, radiant heating systems in the purpose-built hangar, intelligent lighting controls and heat recovery systems all reduce the facility’s carbon footprint. According to Gulfstream, the building is expected to achieve a ‘Very Good’ Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) rating. 

Meanwhile, Gulfstream’s Field & Airborne Support Teams (FAST) continue to maintain a presence at London Luton Airport for arrivals, departures and aircraft-on-ground service.  

In the US, Gulfstream Customer Support has expanded throughout the country with new facilities opened in Savannah; Appleton, Wisconsin; Van Nuys, California; and under construction in Palm Beach, Florida. 

 Elsewhere, Gulfstream has appointed Josh Thompson, of General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS), as the company’s new chief financial officer; effective from August 3rd.

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Although the terms of the transaction have not yet been disclosed, Macquarie has acquired 100% of the shares in the airport, including the iconic Aviator Hotel.

Previously known as TAG Farnborough Airport, the facility will now revert to just being called Farnborough Airport.

TAG had previously taken the airport on lease from the UK’s Ministry of Defence in 2003 for £3 million. In 2007 it acquired the freehold for a further £1 million.

“We are delighted to announce our investment in Farnborough Airport. In addition to holding an important place in UK aviation history, the airport is known for its high-quality offering to customers.” Said Leigh Harrison, head of EMEA, MIRA. “Drawing on our extensive experience managing airport infrastructure around the world, we look forward to partnering with Farnborough Airport to ensure it remains an important contributor to the local economy and a business aviation gateway to London and the South East.”

Farnborough is the second busiest London-area airport for business jets. The airport is home to a number of business jet operators, including GAMA Aviation.

Gulfstream Aerospace announced in 2018 that it would relocate its Maintenance, Repair Overhaul (MRO) from Luton Airport to Farnborough, with groundbreaking for the new facility taking place in May 2019.
“The significant investment that has occurred at Farnborough Airport over the past two decades under the previous shareholders has been transformative,” said Brandon O’Reilly, CEO, Farnborough Airport.
“With a number of development projects already underway, we are excited to partner with Macquarie to further develop our offering to the business aviation market.”

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Gulfstream’s service centre at London Luton Airport, approximately 55 miles/88 kilometres from Farnborough, remains fully operational for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.

Meanwhile, construction of the company’s new 220,060-square-foot/20,444-square-meter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at business aviation-dedicated TAG Farnborough Airport began earlier this month. Announced in May 2018, the MRO is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2020 and will serve as Gulfstream’s main resource for customers in the London area, Europe’s busiest business aviation hub.

“We are excited about what this new era for Gulfstream in Europe will mean for customers,” said Derek Zimmerman, president, Gulfstream Customer Support. “Our new, modern, purpose-built Farnborough service centre will be our biggest international facility and will both enhance the customer experience and support our growing fleet.”

Gulfstream has an initial team based in Farnborough in an interim existing hangar that can accommodate four large-cabin Gulfstream aircraft and provides ample ramp space. The facility holds European Aviation Safety Agency, U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and other authority approvals and will expand to include full scheduled maintenance in the coming weeks.

“As we prepare to open the new facility, we have put an experienced team in place to begin our transition,” Zimmerman said. “World-class service and support remain our standard no matter where we are located, and this team will help us provide that in Farnborough in advance of construction completion.”

Gulfstream’s Luton location will continue to support operators based at or travelling to other London-area airports, including Stansted, with line maintenance and aircraft-on-ground services.

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The significant milestone coincides with TFMS’s release of one of the World’s first 48-month base checks on a Bombardier CL350 aircraft. The comprehensive maintenance check, undertaken at TAG Aviation’s Bombardier approved (ASF) Farnborough included a complete cabin removal and refit.

Over recent years TAG Engineering Ltd (which now operates under the unified brand TAG Aviation Maintenance Services as part of the unique Pan-European maintenance services network of TAG Aviation) has gone from strength to strength delivering 100,000 hours of maintenance works in 2018, all within a very competitive environment.

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This addition brings the Hawker fleet at SaxonAir to four aircraft, this creates the largest ad-hoc Hawker fleet in the UK and represents continued expansion of the managed aircraft fleet and further growth for SaxonAir.

“The Hawkers are still hugely popular aircraft with on-board cabin service as standard setting it apart from competitors such as the XLS+, Latitude and Learjet 75,” Chris Mace, Group Commercial Director said: “Entering another aircraft into the London market also strengthens SaxonAir’s presence significantly and joins our other London bases at Luton, Stansted and Denham as well as a base at Cannes and the company’s headquarters in Norwich.”

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