London's Biggin Hill airport is expanding fast to service growing private jet business. Air Partner has been given the go-ahead for a 175,000 sq. ft. high security private jet enclave and the airport is building a new 85,000 sq. ft. FBO and hangar complex with a capacity for up to four BBJs, by the end of the year. "Meanwhile we have upgraded the existing terminal and added 50 more car parking spaces so now we can park up to 250 cars," says bdm Robert Walters.

David Savile, Air Partner ceo, says: "With other private jet airports straining at the seams and turning away existing business, we have decided to consolidate our plans at Biggin Hill and build one state-of-the-art site. Biggin Hill's location and capacity, combined with Air Partner's managed fleet and client base, will enable us to develop a premier private jet base that fulfills all of our client's needs, and attracts new corporate users to the facility."

Air Partner's new site, illustrated by artist's drawing, is designed by airport architects 3DReid and is due to be completed in late 2009. It will be accessed via a secure approach road and will comprise ground floor vip aircraft handling linked to a mezzanine flight operations centre, office suites for associated airport-related businesses, and further areas dedicated to private jet maintenance operations. The high tech hangar will have a 94 metre door span, and will accommodate a mix of more than 20 jets, up to and including the BBJ. "Marketing of these facilities will start in May 2008," says Savile.