Exeter airport ready to welcome more corporate jets
Devon’s Exeter Airport has recently undertaken a refurbishment of its Jet Centre, with a view to welcoming a growing number of corporate aviation users into the region. The airport serves the Devon area, a region well-known for years for its upmarket tourism credentials.
But the region is also an increasingly important area for business. Some of our team were recently invited to visit the new Jet Centre facilities at Exeter, followed by a visit to Bovey Castle. Both the Castle – a luxury hotel on Dartmoor – and the airport are owned by Rigby Group PLC, a major investor in the region.
We flew from Luton in an impressive 737-400 Executive airliner, courtesy of GainJet, one of the operators in our global network. The aircraft was refurbished last year and seats up to 68 passengers in Club Class style seating plus extensive luggage space – making it a popular choice for large groups, such as sports teams and band tours.
The new facilities at Exeter, which officially opened in August, include a VIP lounge and crew facilities. It all looks very smart and will certainly give greater appeal to business aviation users and suppliers coming into the area.
The airport’s Head of Corporate Aviation, Chris Beer, commented; “The city of Exeter and surrounding area are becoming an increasingly important UK business region and we wanted the corporate aviation facilities here to reflect that. Major and growing organisations such as The Met Office, Yeo Valley and Exeter University are based here, attracting greater numbers of business people to the area. And EDF Energy’s recently approved proposal for a new nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point will also be a major boost to the area’s economy.”
Of course the area is also famous for its outstanding natural beauty and country sports facilities. With the shooting season is in full swing, Chris says the new Jet Centre is regularly welcoming VIP groups travelling to shoots on Exmoor or Dartmoor. These are usually travelling in long range jets from Russia, the US and the Netherlands.
Adam Fox-Edwards, Managing Director of luxury hotel The Arundell Arms on Dartmoor and its on-site fishing school, regularly caters for such clients.
He says “The landscape and natural resources we have here in Devon make it very appealing as a VIP travel destination, whether for those looking for premium country sports facilities; fine food; or to simply enjoy the stunning moorland and coastal views. There are a number of exceptional hotels in the area which cater to this market – luxury escapism from the pace of modern life.”
Bovey Castle is itself another resort catering to this market and certainly offers all the facilities you would expect for the most discerning guests – but in a very comfortable relaxed way. Its 64 rooms all offer a very stylish and luxurious stay, and there are 22 self-contained lodges in the grounds, for those looking for additional privacy.
The extensive estate not only offers stunning countryside views from many of the windows, but also includes a 18-hole championship golf course, spa and the space for many other outdoor pursuits. And while the weather wasn’t accommodating on the day we visited, guests can also arrive at Bovey Castle by helicopter, offering an aerial view of its impressive grounds. New owners The Rigby Group are planning a £2m upgrade of the hotel in the coming months.
At PrivateFly we already fly a significant number of clients to the South West region for business and leisure. But it will be very interesting to see how the region continues to benefit from this new investment – and the impact that this will undoubtedly have on business aviation demand.
For pricing or advice on private jet travel to Devon and the South West, contact us or call our Flight Team (24 hours) on +44 1747 642 777
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