London City Airport's fixed-base operator (FBO) and charter provider Jet Centre says it has out-performed industry expectations within two years. Jet Centre originally forecast it would be handling 7,000 annual aircraft movements by 2007, "but we will hit this target by the end of the year," says Jet Centre manager Darren Grover. He says the success of the company, which accounts for 10% of London City's annual movements, is largely driven by the growing acceptance of business aviation in the UK and Europe.
Fractional ownership operations, Grover says, are key to the FBO's success, accounting for around 35% of the Jet Centre's business. Demand for the facility continues to rise from operators of aircraft now approved for the airport's 5.5° steep approach.
To accommodate the level of growth the Jet Centre is undergoing an £80,000 ($148,000) expansion programme.
Source: Flight International
