What’s the future for bizav at Luton?
Yesterday London Luton announced that French investment company Ardian has sold its 49% stake in the airport (reportedly for around £1bn) to AMP Capital – the owner of Leeds Bradford Airport, Newcastle Airport and an investor in several Australian airports. The majority stake remains with Spanish airport operator Aena.
AMP Capital have commented on the “significant growth potential” at Luton, but it will be interesting to see what impact the change of hands has on business aviation.
Business aviation is at a critical point at the airport, with growth in budget airline activity denting Luton’s private jet offering: When airlines and private jets compete for space on the same runway, private jets lose out. So availability for private jet customers is already limited at peak times.
It’s still the UK’s no.1 airport for private jet flights, but popularity slowed last year with just 2.1% growth – versus much higher gains at London Biggin Hill and Farnborough (up 16% and 9% respectively).
This is set to become more of a problem this summer (and in subsequent summers) when Luton must impose a ban on night-time private flights, following a noise control breach. This is operational between June 1st to September 30th, with no operations permitted between 22.00 and 06.00.
24-hour access to private jets is such a major reason to choose Luton (especially for ‘go now’ last minute flights), that this will have a major impact, during the peak season for private jet activity in Europe.
There’s also talk of Gulfstream maintenance moving out of Luton altogether, their main UK service centre. The US manufacturer opened a further line maintenance and on-the-ground services at rival airport London Stansted‘s Inflite Jet Centre in 2016.
Other airports are investing in business aviation in London – including significant investment plans in place at London Biggin Hill and London Southend‘s Stobart Jet Centre. But while Luton has announced plans to increase airline passenger capacity and boost retail space, its plans for business aviation remain unclear.
To book a charter flight to or from any London airport, contact PrivateFly’s Flight Team (24/7) on +44 (0)20 7100 6960.
Related content
Europe’s Top 20 private jet airports in 2017
Latest news in VTOL
