London City Airport's plans to become the first international airport to run its own charter operation are being hampered by its failure to make its new Dassault Falcon 900EX available for mandatory commercial checks.
Resident fixed-base operator, (FBO) London City Airport Jet Centre, admits that the UK Civil Aviation Authority has been unable to carry out the necessary approvals as the 900EX has been used extensively for personal use by the airport's majority shareholder Dermot Desmond. Jet Centre manages the aircraft for Desmond, who has "first refusal" on its use. Richard Gooding, airport managing director, says he expects the airport to receive its air operator's certificate before the end of October, and will then offer the aircraft for charter.
In order for the aircraft to meet public transport regulations, the airport has had to lengthen its runway to 1,319m (4,350ft) for landing, while the take-off length remains at 1,199m. Gooding says the Jet Centre may acquire a second, shorter-range aircraft, adding that business aviation traffic at the airport has grown by one-fifth since last December, when Signature's FBO contract expired and Jet Centre was established.
Following pressure from fractional ownership operator NetJets to operate the Cessna Citation Bravo to the city centre airport, the US Federal Aviation Administration granted the type 5.5° steep approach approval last month.
Source: Flight International
