TAG Aviation is considering appealing against a UK local government decision to refuse permission to double aircraft movements at Farnborough airport, south of London, at weekends and holidays. The business aviation services provider, which operates Farnborough under a 99-year lease agreement from the UK Ministry of Defence, is seeking to boost movements during these periods from 2,500 to 5,000 over a three-year period.
The council ruled that the claimed economic benefits of the increase in business aviation traffic do not outweigh local residents' concerns over aircraft noise.
"This rejection of our planning application is a setback in the short-term growth [of Farnborough]," says airport manager Len Rayment. "With annual movements now approaching 22,000 Farnborough is recognised as the leading business airport facility supporting London and the south east."
Source: Flight International
