Press Release

Issued by Cranfield University.

July 16, 2012

Last week (Wednesday 11th July) saw the opening of the eagerly awaited enhanced hangar facilities at Cranfield Airport.

Guests enjoyed a drinks reception and a tour of the newly decorated buildings. Completed in time for visitors attending the London 2012 Olympics, the improvements include an upgrade to the 2400sqm hangar, a luxurious reception lounge, new approach lighting on runways and new fencing at the perimeter, to meet the expectations of an executive clientele.

As an Olympic designated airport Cranfield has already seen an increase in bookings for the Olympics, with the limited additional slots filling up fast as the event approaches. But the work has been part of a long term investment plan made by the University to bring the airport bang up to date and offer a superior service to business travelling customers.

Jason Ivey, Airport Director, said: 'We are delighted with the results of the facelift to the hangar, and the feedback has been very positive. It is a wonderful opportunity to associate Cranfield with high-end executive travel. We have committed to investment to ensure all the improvements enhance the experience for business travellers. The work is not Olympics-specific but we have used the games as a target for completion.'

He continued: 'We are committed to providing a bespoke service to our customers at a competitive rate. Our dedicated handling team mean we can provide exclusive individual attention to our customers, with private airside vehicle access for passengers - something which is difficult for larger airports to offer.'

The airport saw a four-fold increase in traffic last weekend, compared to the same period last year, with travellers heading to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix, only a 12-minute helicopter transfer away. With its location adjacent to the M1 and close proximity to Milton Keynes Cranfield makes an ideal business airport.