historically, with the strongest demand from the Middle East.
However recent changes in geopolitical economics and
events in other regions of the world have had an effect on
demand,” says Burrell.
Bizliners can certainly present challenges for airports
that are not geared up with the necessary services. Some
airports have modified their operations specifically to
accommodate bizliners. Fiona Langton is managing director
of the Stobart Jet Centre at London Southend Airport, a
regional airport around 40 miles from London. She says
they do not have operational issues when handling bizliners.
“We simply adapt our capabilities to the aircraft. Service
levels are as high as they would be for any smaller-sized VIP
aircraft that we look after.”
Stobart says that it’s vital to have a team of highly-skilled
staff and the correct equipment to ensure an efficient
turnaround and a clear understanding of the procedures and
regulations for departures and transit stops for bizliners. At
L A R G E J E T S
“China
considers all
aircraft above 30
seats to be commercial,
so landing clearance
must follow the same
process as airlines”
Mohammed Husary, executive president
of UAS International Trip Support
London Southend Airport there has seen an
increase in charter flights across the board of
over 8% since 2008, demonstrating that the
market is expanding with aircraft from Boeing
Business Jets (BBJ) and Airbus Charter Jets
(ACJ) used more for charter operations. “The
capacity at London Southend is perfectly
set up; 24/7 availability, unrestricted slot
allocations, hangarage for up to three BBJs
at any one time and a large amount of apron.
Since we extended the runway, we have
seen an influx in requests to support the
larger business jets from the Middle East and
Europe,” says Langton.
On a broader front, there can be limitations
at some airports or in certain countries.
Husary says, “China considers any aircraft
above 30 seats to be commercial. All landing
BUSINESS AIRPORT INTERNATIONAL O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9 | 33
Above: The BBJ 777-9 provides
a 3,689ft cabin and a range of
11,000 nautical miles
Left: AMAC Aerospace’s hangar
at Milas-Bodrum airport carries
out VIP business maintenance