TAG Farnborough Airport Notes 3.2% Increase in Air Traffic Movements
/TAG Farnborough Airport is the UK’s only dedicated business aviation airport and a key gateway to London. The airport offers bespoke services and state-of-the-art facilities, continuing to set new standards in the business aviation market.
Continued growth
TAG Farnborough Airport is a growing business aviation airport and has noted a 3.2% increase in air traffic movements (ATMs) in the first four months of 2017. The airport is also increasingly receiving airliner-derived aircraft (50-80 tons maximum take-off weight) such as Boeing Business Jets and Airbus Corporate Jets, with some carrying large groups of passengers. In 2016, the airport saw a 5.5% rise in ATMs in this aircraft category.
“Many of these large aircraft operate to and from the US, Middle East and Asia. We have recently invested in additional customer facilities to cater for this increasing demand and are now able to offer large groups of passengers and individuals comfort in separate lounges,” commented Brandon O’Reilly, TAG Farnborough Airport’s CEO.
TAG Farnborough Airport handles approximately 25,000 flights per year and offers heated hangar facilities (240,000 sq ft) and ample ramp space (1.2 mio. Sq ft), providing a secure home for permanently parked and transient aircraft.
Focused on business aviation
In response to an emerging demand for higher-volume flights, TAG Farnborough Airport has invested an additional £1 million in its award-winning facilities to create more space for passengers and crew. A new passenger lounge accommodates up to 80 passengers, whilst also offering privacy and comfort to individuals or groups. The sophisticated interior is adorned by a fuselage clock, coffee table and exhaust lamp custom made from vintage aircraft parts. Other distinctive features include a “TopBrewer” coffee machine which can be operated via a dedicated iPad, and a gallery seating area overlooking the runway.
Waiting crew members can relax in the upgraded quiet lounges or ‘snooze’ rooms equipped with flat beds and a zero-gravity ergonomic chair, or use the exclusive gymnasium and shower facilities.
“We focus on delivering bespoke services for the business aviation market and are constantly striving to further improve the airport experience for passengers and crew”, said Sophie Lesnoff, TAG Farnborough Airport’s Head of Customer Services and Terminal Operations, who designed the new facilities based on customer feedback.
TAG Farnborough Airport offers a wide range of amenities including a fast-track entrance to the airport for the exclusive use of passengers and crew, direct ramp access to waiting jets ensuring a most discrete and convenient flight experience, concierge service, conference and event facilities, and the Aviator luxury hotel conveniently located on site.
Award-winning facilities and services
In April, TAG Farnborough Airport placed first in the Aviation International News (AIN) FBO Survey and Professional Pilot PRASE Survey.
TAG Farnborough Airport has topped the ‘Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific’ category in AIN’s international FBO survey for 11 years in a row. TAG Farnborough Airport’s sister company, TAG Aviation (FBO at Geneva International Airport), also ranked in the top six. Since 1981, readers, who use FBOs and/or are directly involved in flight planning, including a cross-section of pilots, air crews and dispatchers from international operators, have been selecting their favourites in this annual survey from a list of more than 4,500 FBOs worldwide.
It is also the 12th consecutive year that TAG Farnborough Airport was named ‘Best European FBO’ by Pro Pilot in a survey of qualified pilots. TAG Farnborough Airport has won multiple industry awards over the years and has been recognised for its environmental initiatives as well as the elegant and futuristic architecture.
“These awards are a testament to the excellent work of our employees which is evident wherever customers encounter the TAG brand”, commented O’Reilly.