Nick Scheele, chairman of Ford Europe, officially opened Coventry Airport’s new business aviation facility on December 8, 2000. The UK airport reports that it is growing more and more popular with the business community – it boasts a 24-hour operation, a 1,825m runway and no slot restraints.

“We are very honoured that Mr Scheele has found time to declare this facility open,” said John Reeve, Air Atlantique Group general manager, responsible for the airport. “Since the Air Atlantique Group purchased the airport in 1998 we have put considerable resources into developing the facilities. The new business user operation is but one step forward in the total regeneration of the airfield.”

Ford, together with several other major international companies in the West Midlands, including Mercedes, Rolls Royce aero engines, Marconi and BAE Systems, regularly use the airport to move staff quickly between their various operations, located on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Boeing Business Jet is expected to become an early user of the facility. Aircraft flown by

current operators include the Gulfstream IV, Hawker 800, as well as a variety of turboprop and piston-engined aircraft.

Coventry sees itself as comple-mentary to Birmingham and East Midlands airports, both of whom are concentrating more on scheduled passenger traffic. A spokesman said: “With no slot restraints and 1,825 metre runway, it is ideal for the business aircraft operator whose timekeeping is usually dictated by company requirements.”