The Bristol Flying Centre is set to double passenger numbers in 2013 and "significantly increase" movements at the Bristol airport base following the award of two "large" handling contracts.
To accommodate the growth, BFC is doubling the size of its fixed-base operation at the southwest UK site. The upgraded facility is scheduled to open at the end of December.
BFC, which includes Bristol-based charter operator Centrelineair in its portfolio, has been appointed by BMI Regional to handle passengers on the Airbus corporate shuttle service from Bristol to Toulouse. BFC says it is in the process of "agreeing terms [for similar passenger handling arrangement] with another global aviation brand".
The new handling contracts are set to begin in January and are set to boost business aircraft movements at the site from 3,000 to 6,000. Annual passenger numbers will rise 1,700% to 84,000, says BFC. "The BMI Regional contract alone will see an additional 40 Embraer 145 movements a week here," says BFC chief executive Phil Brockwell.
Source: Flight International
