London City Airport's (LCA) courtship of business aviation is finally paying off, with the city centre airport reporting a 130% increase in general aviation traffic this year, compared with the same period last year.
"The airport is experiencing a phenomenal growth in popularity due to its close proximity to the City of London and because of the recent 13,000m2 (140,000ft2) extension to the west apron," says LCA. "We expect a continued increase in demand as public awareness grows," the airport adds.
The airport, based in Docklands, East London, recorded 1,600 business aircraft movements up to the end of August, compared with 700 flights for the first eight months of last year. The decision by key firms such as Shell Aircraft to operate from LCA, coupled with the severe restrictions placed on business aircraft traffic at London Heathrow Airport, have also contributed to the upturn.
LCA's resident handling agent, Lynton Aviation says: "Although the airport is restricted to certain aircraft types [including the Dassault Falcon 10/50, Cessna Citations, and Raytheon Beech King Airs] because of its short runway and annual movements limited to 73,000, it is becoming a very popular destination for business traffic."
LCA has applied for planning permission to build a dedicated fixed base operation offering light maintenance and handling.
Source: Flight International
