London City Airport’s Jet Centre opened its doors to the press for the first time recently and announced its plans to expand both the facility and its charter fleet.

“There’s more development to come if we need it and we’re also working to extend the number of aircraft flying in,” said Jet Centre manager Darren Grover.

The airport has experienced a 28 per cent rise in corporate traffic compared with last year. “I expect

the next piece of concrete to be laid within 18 months and there’s room to expand to three times our current size.

“More land is opening up and we are looking to push both west and east of our current position,”

said Richard Gooding, md of London City Airport.

Total investment in the Jet Centre now exceeds $45 million, most of which was spent on the Falcon 900EX aircraft, which the FBO charters. “I believe we’re the only airport which charters it own aircraft. Obviously the market has slowed somewhat, but were confident that there will be long term demand for the aircraft. Like any sensible business, we have implemented an exit strategy, but as a minimum we would certainly give the 900 12 months before considering this action. In my opinion I can see us growing on the fleet, possibly with something specifically for the European market next,” said Gooding.

The airport is certainly located more centrally than any other ‘London’ airport, but it is restricted to the size of aircraft allowed in. “There are currently 31 approved aircraft types, although I expect the Citation Excel, the Legacy and the Hawker 800SP to be cleared in the near future. I do however doubt that Gulfstreams will start here. There has been a test for a GIV flown in, but it wouldn’t be able to add any more weight so it's not commercially viable,” said Gooding.

The Jet Centre can have a passenger in his vehicle within two minutes of touchdown, as the journalists present witnessed in a demonstration. “We have between 50 and 60 movements per week and would certainly like to double that. In the last three months alone we’ve approved 17 new aircraft to the airport and I hope within the next six weeks to be adding new staff,” said Grover.

As it grows both in reputation and physical size, the Jet Centre claims that part of its success is down to its low-key approach to passengers. “We don’t make a fuss of high profile passengers, which some can be a little put out by.

“You could say our motto is 'At London City Airport - we ignore you!’” joked Gooding.