An insight into accessing the UK's military airfields.
With the UK's civil airports stretching at the seams, many private jet operators are switching to military airfields - who are welcoming the custom. Adam Twidell, Aviation Consultant, gives an insight into accessing the UK's military airfields
Dubbed by some as the jewel in the crown of British military airfields, Royal Air Force (RAF) Northolt boasts a 5,500ft runway and ease of access to London's the West End. For decades, the airfield has granted exceptional access to the capital for
the British royal family and members of senior government. But it is not necessary to be a member of the royal family or the Cabinet to make use of this exclusive aviation hub. The military releases a small number of slots each day to civilian
private jet operators, who are then able to request VIP passenger handling from the Northolt Jet Centre. The Jet Centre was established at Northolt in 2006 following the tremendous growth of private aviation at London City Airport. The success of
the business model encouraged the airport management team to roll out the same service at other private jet hubs. Consequently, when the Ministry of Defence announced a contract invitation to operate a VIP passenger handling service at RAF Northolt,
it was a natural fit. Darren Grover, Head of Business Aviation at London City, speaks of the perfect synergy that led to their winning tender. "The Royal Air Force needed a strong partner to operate a professional team in a manner that would not
infringe upon their military operations," he says. "The two organisations share common goals and work together with great understanding and mutual respect for each other." Unfortunately London City Airport's successful relationship with the RAF is a
double edged sword for many of Europe's
operators. The well-kept secret of RAF Northolt is well and truly out of the bag. Demand for these prized London slots outstrips supply by four fold. Advance notice of at least a week is now the key to assuring VIP handling at Northolt through
London City Airport's Jet Centre.
It's not just the London area that is benefiting from the MoD's decision to increase its revenues under its Wider Markets Initiative; many other military runways around the country are also available for civilian private jets and some offer a
fantastic alternative to mainstream hubs.
Open all hours
Whilst New York is the city that never sleeps, London is the City that beds down its aviation fleet at night; witness Heathrow's stringent noise restrictions and Luton?s increasingly elusive slots. The RAF can ease the pressure for operators
desperate to beat the night time curfews, with two military options - RAF Northolt aside - which are both within easy reach of the capital. RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire is situated in the M4 corridor where private jet slots are available 24 hours a
day. Then there is RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire which has become the Ministry of Defence's (MoD's) super transport base and is operational 24 hours a day. Its massive 10,000ft runway, fully equipped with all weather approach aids, is a welcome
sight for those pre-dawn landing requirements from the US, and gives passengers the opportunity to make their London breakfast meetings with ease.
Beyond the capital
In Scotland, RAF Leuchars in St Andrews, Fife, is the home of golf and is the location of one of the UK's top universities. This makes this corner of Scotland the most popular holiday destination for the high-net-worth holiday maker. The
nearest civilian airport is Dundee, but its 4,300ft runway is too short for most aircraft to operate to the required safety standards for public transport. Edinburgh's international airport to the south is over an hour by road, making RAF Leuchars
a serious option for private jet operators. Then there is RAF Lossiemouth and neighbouring RAF Kinloss, Grampian. For clients seeking a highland retreat, these two front line bases make an ideal launch pad into the Scottish glens. In Wales, the
newly elected Welsh assembly has recently debated its country's lack of airports. This dearth of infrastructure is hindering business growth in the inaccessible north.
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