OXFORD GROWTH
London Oxford airport recorded a 12% rise in its movements in 2011 to 6,000 take-off and landings and says it now ranks fifth in the UK for business aviation activity at civil airports, ahead of rival London Stansted. During the past 12 months, the Reuben Brothers-owned airport installed a primary and secondary (Mode-S, MSSR) surveillance radar system, expected to be fully operational ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games. It has completed work on 17,800m2 (191,600ft2) of new high strength apron, resurfaced 5,000m2 of established surfaces, increased the licensed runway length by more than 20% and strengthened the surface area. Further improvement projects are planned for 2012, including new hangars to house the next generation of regional jets and top-of-the-range business jets.
CHINA NOTCHES UP BBJS
Boeing Business Jets has delivered a BBJ to Chinese charter operator Nanshan Jet, rounding off a strong year of orders and deliveries to Chinese customers for the US airframer. "The BBJ is Nanshan Jet's largest, most capable aircraft in their fleet of seven and will provide charter services for corporations, government agencies and private individuals in China," said Seattle-based BBJ. Completion of the 28-seat VIP-configured aircraft will be undertaken by Lufthansa Technik's US subsidiary, BizJet International. "Three of four BBJ orders and three of seven deliveries this year were to customers in China," said BBJ. "2012 is expected to be equally as strong for BBJ in the region."
CAPITAL TAKES HERMES
Eurocopter has handed over an EC135 to UK charter company Capital Air Services. The VIP Hermes configured light twin-engined aircraft joins various other Eurocopter types in the Oxford airport-based operator's fleet. These include an EC155 B1, AS355, and another EC135.
CHALLENGER ORDER
Bombardier has clinched a firm order for five Challenger 850 business jets from an undisclosed customer. The contract is valued at about $156 million.
Source: Flight International
