Oxford Airport in the UK has made a number of major changes, which it says will significantly benefit the aviation community. For many years the airport has been run principally for the benefit of the training school, Oxford Aviation Training, which once saw over 250,000 movements a year as the UK’s fourth busiest airport. Today however, the school has gradually moved VFR operations over to its sister operation in Tyler, Texas such that movements this year will have dropped from around 160,000 to just 80,000 by the year’s end – a 50 per cent reduction.

For the integrated students there will also be a higher level of simulator work using three new FNTP II simulators, which will contribute to the overall reduction.

As a consequence of this, Oxford Airport’s owner, BBA Group plc, has transferred the day-to-day airfield management away from the school and has set up a separate business unit with a new team to develop the airfield for the benefit of the general and business aviation communities.

A spokesman said: “Throughout 2003, aircraft access to the airport will be significantly improved, whilst parking and hangarage are to be enhanced and expanded. A building adjacent to the tower is undergoing refurbishment now to offer the airfield reception, operations facilities, visiting crew offices with internet and weather terminals, lounges and a meeting room.

“The airfield already has a restaurant, café and sports centre on site with a new pilot’s shop due.”

One immediate change is to revise weekend fees for light GA traffic to £5 for any aircraft under 2,730 kgs, or free with a fuel uplift of 40 litres or more. The spokesman added: “With good Avgas prices, longer than average opening hours and the new visitor facilities, it is hoped many aviators will come in to see what Oxford is all about.”