Cambridge Airport has returned to EBACE to declare its ambitions to invest £20 million ($32 million) in its facility, around 100km (62 miles) north of London. "We are looking to turn Cambridge into a major hub for business aviation through a major upgrade and development programme," says airport director Archie Garden.
"We want to transform the green-field site to the south of the runway, add a new taxiway, and add a new access road," he continues. Work is set to begin next year on a four-month runway strengthening programme, which will enhance its performance and maintain the airport's critical asset for a further 12 years, the airport says.
Since EBACE 2011, the Marshall Aerospace-owned company has attracted a host of business aviation companies to the site, including services provider ExecuJet, which has an exclusive four-year tenancy to run the FBO. "All our buildings are full but we'd like to entice new tenants to the airport which will support our ongoing development," says Green.
Business and commercial aviation only account for 3,000 of the airport's 24,000 annual movements, but Green is hoping that ExecuJet's presence will lure new customers and help to double that number within four years. "General aviation aircraft account for the bulk of our movements. We have no plans to limit this traffic - we just want to attract more business flights," says Garden. Target tenants are companies that can offer complementary maintenance or technical capability to the Marshall Group - the airport's biggest employer. "We are inviting synergistic business and aviation companies to come and talk with us if they are looking for a new UK base," Green continues. "Tenants will be offered a range of property development options including self-build, build and buy-back lease of properties, built by Marshall Aerospace. The types of projects that could be achieved include a hotel for crew, operator bases and a vibrant business park," he says.
Source: Flight Daily News
