London Biggin Hill airport is expanding its fuel services with the addition of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), supplied by Air bp. The dedicated business aviation airport will be the first in London to offer Air bp's low carbon renewable fuel, which is produced from waste and residue products and is a blend comprising just over one third SAF and two thirds traditional jet fuel. The SAF component provides a lifecycle carbon reduction of around 80 per cent compared to the traditional jet fuel it replaces.

Fuel services manager Stephen Elsworthy says: “At London Biggin Hill we are fully committed to providing tangible, immediately available solutions to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of our operations and protect the environment. The introduction of SAF as an expansion of our fuel offering is a major step towards becoming a carbon neutral airport by 2029 and enables our customers and resident businesses to also meet their own sustainability goals.”

Air bp sustainability director Andreea Moyes adds: “We are delighted to extend our collaboration by supplying SAF to London Biggin Hill Airport which is such an important business aviation airport for London-bound owners and operators. This delivery demonstrates the airport's willingness to invest in SAF, which we believe is one of the aviation industry's key routes to reducing carbon emissions. We anticipate that it will prove very popular with customers.”

Biggin Hill is also welcoming light aircraft flights from Monday 29 March, following the lifting of restrictions on general aviation during the UK's recent national lockdown.

Head of safety and compliance Ben Spiers says: “After months of uncertainty for the aviation community, it is fantastic to see general aviation taking back the skies. London Biggin Hill has remained open throughout the pandemic for essential travel only, and now we look forward to welcoming back all our resident light aircraft pilots, heritage flights and others wishing to visit the airport over the coming weeks and months.”

On 29 March the UK government is lifting its current restrictions on general aviation flights for leisure purposes. In response, the UK CAA has issued a Safety Notice, to ensure alignment with current government guidelines for the resumption of flying.

Spiers continues: “While this is an exciting time for the general aviation community, COVID-19 is still with us, and it is imperative that all pilots are aware of their safety responsibilities ahead of taking to the skies after a break from flying. As such, in addition to the Safety Notice issued by the CAA and in accordance with social distancing measures in place at the airport, we have put together a list of essential safety guidelines to support pilots using our airport. We encourage all pilots to register on our online safety and compliance portal via the airport website.”

A full list of safety guidelines and the latest aerodrome documentation can be found at the safety and compliance portal.