The Isle of Man, which expects to have at least 20 aircraft on its register by 2008, is forging ahead with plans to offer an executive jet facility. The airport is finalising a partnership agreement with Island Aviation And Travel Limited (IAAT) to provide hangarage and vip passenger facilities. The agreement will provide a 50-year ground lease to IAAT on the proposed site, which is located between the airport and the Manx Aviation Preservation Society Museum site.

IAAT will invest between £3 and £4 million in the 2,800 sq. m. executive jet facility site, which will also include the development of an additional 2,100 sq. m. aircraft apron area and private car park area.

John Critchley, IAAT md, says: "Detailed plans are currently in production and the planning process should begin in the near future. There are currently no dedicated facilities for vip passengers or executive aircraft at Ronaldsway but the introduction of the island's aircraft register in May this year has proved to be the catalyst to get this project under way." He adds: "The tangible benefits of the new executive jet facilities should also boost numbers on the local aircraft registry."

IAAT specialises in corporate aircraft management, executive aircraft operations and aircraft handling and hangarage. It says the new executive jet terminal facility will feature floor to ceiling glass panels, 2,800 sq. m. of hangarage space, apron area and private car parking, and 24 hour security as well as customs and immigration clearance, computerised flight planning and filing, worldwide weather reporting system and wireless internet access. Critchley says: "The timing couldn't be better."

Airport director Ann Reynolds says: "Subject to the necessary planning approvals, we are optimistic that the first phase of construction will be completed before the end of 2008, so the airport will be able to offer world class executive services within a relatively short period."

Despite the plans, the Isle of Man has ruled out issuing AOCs in the foreseeable future. Brian Johnson, IoM director of Civil Aviation, says: "In the four months since the aircraft register became operational we have registered a total of 12 aircraft and expect to register many more before the end of 2007, including a Falcon 900, a new Challenger 300 and a new Augusta Westland 139."

Registrations include the apt M-BWFC for Eddie Davies, a director of U.K. Premier League Bolton Wanderers Football Club (BWFC).

He adds: "The registry was established as the first dedicated high quality business aircraft register in Europe. We have received a large number of enquiries from European aircraft owners requesting to register light aircraft. Unfortunately we do not have the resources to register aircraft below 5,700kgs other than for residents or businesses operating from the Isle of Man. We are sorry if this is disappointing, but European national aviation authorities are better resourced to oversee locally based light aircraft." Johnson adds: "It is not our intention in the foreseeable future to issue AOCs.