The UK’s Oxford Airport has

been given the go-ahead for a 10

per cent extension of its licensed

runway length from 1,200m to 1,319m, allowing for a significant improvement in terms of access

for charter and public transport operations.

Oxford’s md Steve Jones com-mented: “Private operators using larger types including Gulfstream

Vs, Falcon 900s and Challengers

have routinely utilised and

resided at Oxford enjoying the use of the full 1,552m runway length, allowing in fact for transatlantic capability in some cases.

“However, until now, many charter aircraft have in the main been restricted by the landing distance available. This positive change helps open up the capability for jet charter operations.”

Oxford says this runway

extension will enable at least 15

more business jet models to

operate under public transport

rules into the airport.

Aircraft types that can now

land at Oxford under public transport rules include the Citationjet (CJ1), Citation II and

the Bravo, the Citation 560 and

650 series, the Hawker 700, 800 and 1000, Learjets 31, 35 and 45, the G100, Falcon 50, 2000 and 900, and the Challenger 604, GV, Global Express and BBJ.

A spokesman added: “The additional length also allows an aircraft such as the Hawker 800 in typical conditions to now take an additional 4,000lbs plus of fuel, which could equate to over 1,200nm extra range capability.

That has huge implications for

the viability of any operation

using such types for hire and reward out of Oxford. ”