London Biggin Hill airport has finished a new apron to give more than 25,000 sq. metres of aircraft parking and the capacity to accommodate private jets of BBJ size.

The airport reports that the addition will enable it to park aircraft "in a safer manner" and accommodate 60 per cent more aircraft. The project started in January and cost $1.5m to complete.

Robert Walters, business development manager, says: "It is also the first step to building our

new terminal hangar which will be 6,000 sq. metres with 1,500 sq. metres of office space. It will be split into four bays and will accommodate up to four BBJs. This hangar is seen as the next step for Biggin, which is enjoying huge growth, not just from based customers but from new customers, who are enjoying the perks of no runway slots or prior permission, and being only six minutes flight to Battersea, it is the quickest way to the centre of London." The terminal itself is due for an interior refit.

Growth is continuing at around 25 to 30 per cent per annum for business traffic. "This rate of growth can continue because, unlike other London airports, Biggin has 125,000 permitted movements and we are only at 70,000. Other locations have a much lower allocation, or GA is suffering due to slots, or they are getting priced out," says Walters.

Several companies are looking at options of building and running and operating their own hangars on the airfield.

Biggin's U.K. sister airport, London Southend, is enjoying a large increase in traffic. "There are plans being finalised for a new hotel and more hangars. Planning approval has also been given for a new terminal and train station, which leads straight into London Liverpool Street," Walters adds.