Press Release
Issued by Oxford Aviation Services Ltd.
July 17, 2008
oxfordjet, Oxford Airport's brand new business aviation centre was yesterday, 16 July, officially handed over to the airport's management team from the developers. With immediate effect, all business charter passengers and private jet crew travelling through Oxford Airport will now experience the very best that business aviation has to offer.
Building work on the new oxfordjet terminal commenced in April this year, marking the first phase of a major investment by Oxford Airport's new owners, who purchased the airport from BBA Aviation last summer. The oxfordjet facility boasts triple the space of the old terminal. The modular construction, assembled in Yorkshire, has been designed with a fresh, modern approach that complements the state-of-the-art facilities within.
The construction of the new terminal was project-managed by Wates Construction. "We were pleased to be invited to join the team in optimising the most cost effective solution to meet oxfordjet's demanding requirements," said Graeme Connal, Surveying Manager with Wates. "Our enthusiasm to be involved in such a project and desire to succeed, led us to look at all the various options. The solution was a modularised building providing the most flexible options. We were first involved in the project prior to Christmas 2007 with our selection being made in February 2008. This has been an extremely fast project from the decision to proceed to final completion and the result shows what can be achieved when a team has a common desire to succeed."
The terminal building itself is a bespoke modular construction designed and constructed by ModularUK Building Systems Ltd. The initial concept was muted towards the end of 2007 with ModularUK receiving the order from Wates in May this year. "We immediately went into construction knowing we had a 15-week turnaround for a project that would usually take twice that long," said Stephen Wightman, Managing Director of ModularUK. "Each of the 20 sections was completed at our Yorkshire factory, prior to being transported to Oxford in 20 lorry-loads. The modules already have their roofs and internal walls fitted, so the British weather doesn't slow down progress. Our brief was to optimise internal space so the sections are extremely large, with some of them being as big as can legally be transported on the British roads."
The largest of the sections measures 13.8m long x 4m wide x 4.1m high and needed special escorts for the road transportation. ModularUK is part of Champion Enterprises of the USA, one of the world's leading modular building construction companies. "This was the first time we have been commissioned to build a complete airport terminal," said Stephen. "We specialise in producing structures that may not usually be conducive to a modular concept – in this instance the front of the terminal reception is angled and this was a challenge we were happy to meet. The building has also been specifically designed to accommodate a second floor enabling expansion should it be required at a later date."
The interior design was created and managed by London-based Strategic Fusion. The company has been working with Oxford Airport for the past year to reposition and redefine the Airport's fixed base operation (FBO) as oxfordjet.
"We wanted to support the airport in its development as one of the UK's growing and pre-eminent business aviation centres," said Stephen Rogers, Strategic Fusion's MD, explaining the philosophy behind the oxfordjet interior design. "Oxford as a city is known for its rich academic history and its architecture reflects this. We wanted to mirror this historic ambience inside the new terminal in a modern and contemporary way. The interior design provides an oasis of calm within the dynamic and lively world of aviation. We've utilised organic colours, smoked-oak finishes and natural stone. The soft furnishings make use of black, brown and tonal greys, offset with chrome touches. Carpets and rugs fit within the scheme and we've added some accent colours to provide interest."
Strategic Fusion commissioned Essex-based Bespoke Interior Solution to provide one of their trademark, patented 'floating' glass screens, which has become the focal point of the oxfordjet entrance. Terry Baccarini of Bespoke Interior Solution said: "This is our first airport project and we're delighted with the effect. We were given the full design brief just a month ago and worked hard to achieve it - our floating glass screens make the impossible possible and we're thrilled that oxfordjet is now a showcase for our unique abilities."
Overlooking the main business aircraft apron, oxfordjet gives passengers and crews easy access to their aircraft. Separate lounges feature for crews, providing additional rest areas, along with VIP and VVIP zones for passengers, assuring maximum privacy. Private shower rooms, a crew kitchen, bar and meeting rooms, together with customs and immigration facilities are all catered for in the new facility.
Steve Jones, Oxford Airport's Managing Director, said: "We are delighted with the new terminal and the speed with which it has taken shape. The oxfordjet facility really puts us on the map as a serious business aviation airport and a viable alternative to other London-centric, costly and slot-restricted airports. This represents an initial £2.5 million investment with further investment pledged." Five customer service personnel have just been recruited to work at oxfordjet reporting to Customer Services Manager David Surley. "We envisage the creation of up to 20 new jobs over the next six months in administrative and operations positions," Steve added.
Oxford Airport is well located geographically and demographically within close proximity of the M40, A34, A40 and A44 road networks, providing excellent access from one of the most lucrative catchment areas in the country. And now, for the first time, Oxford is a viable gateway for the most influential business people in the world providing an exceptional asset to the local transportation infrastructure.
Earlier this year Oxford Airport completed the construction of a new larger aircraft apron. The new 3,500m2, high bearing strength apron enables the airport to cater for larger business aircraft up to the size and weight of the Airbus A318 Elite. This capability, together with increased opening hour availability and an upgraded Cat 4 RFFS fire and rescue service will enable Oxford Airport to consider a number of shuttles between city pairs that had previously been untenable.
Steve Jones said: "Oxford Airport will continue to enhance its facilities throughout 2008. Our costs are considerably lower than the usual London airport options and we are very pleased that Oxford now represents a convenient, easy access alternative to the established London airport choices. We can provide facilities with no capacity limitations or slot constraints and the potential to be available from 0600hrs to midnight, seven days a week."
