Press Release

Issued by Woodgate Aviation.

December 2, 2014

Northern Ireland's largest private aircraft charter business, Woodgate Aviation, is investing £1.5 million in a new, purpose-built hangar at Belfast International Airport.

The company, which was formed in the late sixties, operates private charters to GB and European destinations as well as a medical service, cargo and aircraft handling facilities.

Woodgate Aviation is based at Belfast International Airport, Newtownards and Ronaldsway Airport in the Isle of Man and uses a wide range of aircraft including the Beechcraft B200 King Air which is capable of carrying up to eight passengers.

Work is at an advanced stage on the new hangar which is scheduled for completion in June next year.

A significant increase in demand for its services prompted Woodgate to embark on this major expansion.

Woodgate Aviation managing director, John Keen, said: “Woodgate has a proven track record stretching back 45 years in the aircraft charter business. Coming out of recession, the business has experienced impressive growth and we have every confidence that that upward trend will continue.

“This private investment is something we thought a lot about as we wanted it to be statement to the market about our strength, commitment and belief in growth prospects.
“It will be state-of-the-art. It will be 25,000 sq ft in size with a dedicated business lounge for clients, a full suite of 6,000 sq ft of offices and floorspace capable of accommodating six B200 or a Bombardier Global Express aircraft with a fully equipped aircraft maintenance department.

Graham Keddie, managing director, Belfast International Airport, said: “This is a most welcome vote of confidence in the airport and the wider Northern Ireland economy. Woodgate Aviation has an impressive record of delivery, and is going from strength to strength. We're delighted that Belfast International airport is at the heart of its ambitious expansion plans”