Farnborough flies ahead of Luton this summer as the UK’s no.1 private jet airport
For many years now, London Luton has been London (and the UK’s) busiest private jet airport – something that often surprises people who are new to private jet charter. But changes are taking place in London’s airport landscape, and London Farnborough moved ahead this summer.
With 3513 business aviation departures between June and August, WingX Advance figures show that Farnborough inched ahead of Luton’s 3309. And the gap is also narrowing between them both and the UK’s no.3 airport Biggin Hill, which saw 2296. At+ 27% year-on-year growth in August (significantly ahead of Europe’s overall +2.4%), Biggin Hill is currently growing faster than any other major private jet airport. Farnborough’s year-on-year growth was also impressive at +16%, whereas Luton saw a decline of -9%.
This reflects the changes we’ve seen at PrivateFly in terms of our customers’ London airport preferences. But a gradual trend that started a couple of years ago has accelerated this summer, with a ban on night flights at previously round-the-clock Luton. See more: Summer changes at London’s private jet airports.
Even before its change of hours, Luton was losing ground to other London airports, with runway and parking space for private jets being squeezed out by its growing budget airline activity. But it was still holding on to the UK top spot – until this year.
Neither Biggin Hill nor Farnborough offer 24-hour access either, but, being dedicated to private flights, do give more availability and flexibility to clients and aircraft operators. And to encourage more late night business, Biggin Hill has extended its opening hours in the last couple of years until 23.00 on weekdays, and 22.00 at weekends.
Why do longer opening hours matter for private jet airports?
One of the key benefits of private jet travel to the customer is travelling when they want to, designing bespoke itineraries and often flying at short notice. There is definitely a demand for night-time take-offs and landings, to maximise time away and avoid unnecessary overnight stays.
Most other European cities do not offer 24-hour private flight movements, so while London is not lagging behind in that respect, historically it has been ‘open’ all hours. As the busiest city for private aviation in Europe, and a centre of global business, being open 24/7 supported that.
For London-bound clients wanting night time access, their choices this summer have been London Stansted, which has a limited number of night flights per week, or London Southend. We’ve even flown some late night customers into 24-hour Birmingham Airport.
September is likely to follow the trend, as Luton does not returns to 24-hour operations until 1st October. After that, it remains to be seen if customers will return to using Luton, or if it will continue to decline in demand.
For advice on which London airport is best for your flight, our Flight Team are available 24/7. Contact us or call +44 (0)20 7100 6960.
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