Flying Group is probably the largest training
operator, using PA-28s, Cessna 152s
and – for twin ratings – the Piper PA-34
Seneca. The airport operator informed these
companies at the end of March they will have
to nd new homes by the autumn as ab initio
pilot training is now viewed as incompatible
with the business aviation traffic.
A number of important aviation events
annually including the Air Charter Expo (ACE)
which utilises the large hangar adjacent
to the terminal building together with its
hardstanding. More than 700 industryprofessionals are expected to attend this
year’s event on September 11, which includes
a display of business aircraft and seminars on
important charter industry topics.
A signi cant development occurred in
May 2017 when HRH Prince Michael of Kent
opened the Bombardier Service Centre.
The rst 51,541ft (4,790m ) hangar has
now been joined by a second structure,
formerly occupied by JETS. The centre
offers a full range of MRO services from line
maintenance to 96-month and 120-month
inspections for Bombardier business jets.Also represented at the airport is Pilatus
whose authorised service centre is run by
Oriens Aviation. Last December, Oriens
acquired Avalon Aero and its 18,000ft
(1,672m ) facilities at the airport. Thanks to
the acquisition Oriens Aviation provides MRO
support for the Hawker 1000, Citation 550,
551 and 560, Piaggio P.180 Avanti and the
piston-engined Cessna 421.
RAS Completions has a large facility in
one of the ex-RAF hangars. It specialises
in painting and interior upgrades for private
aircraft from light Cessnas to airliner-category
private jets and even heritage examples such
as the Spit re. It also works on airliners and
has recently completed painting and interior
upgrades for the Twin Otters operated on the
Isles of Scilly Skybus services.FUTURE
Robert Walters is keen to stress that the
airport in the London Borough of Bromley is
a good neighbour. “The foundation of this
business is the excellent relations we have
with the local community. Local residents
understand that the airport provides 1,200
jobs to support the local community but that
the plans we have for Biggin Hill will take that
number up to 2,000 in the next ten years and,
in the next 20 years will add 2,300 new jobs
at the airport. Not only are we providing top
quality employment for those in this area, but
the economic activity of the airport hugely
bene ts local businesses. We are very
grateful that Bromley Council has been an
enthusiastic partner and fully endorses our
plans for the future.” Biggin Hill is included in28 Aviation News incorporating Jets June 2018Air Charter Expo is held each year at the airport and features a static park of business aircraft and various seminars. Rod SimpsonAbove: The airport has a Bombardier Service Centre which offers a wide range of maintenance
on the company’s portfolio of business jets. Andy Patsalides
Below: A busy scene with a variety of business aviation aircraft on the terminal apron. Rod Simpson26-29_biggin_hillDC.mf.indd 28 02/05/2018 12:51