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Farnborough Airport Archives - Regional Gateway

Farnborough appoints contracts for design and build of new £55m hangar

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Dedicated business aviation hub, Farnborough Airport in the UK has appointed contractors McLaughlin & Harvey and Gebler Tooth for the design and construction of its new £55m 175,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art and sustainably designed hangar development, Domus III.

The airport has been working closely with the contractors to create a plan that will increase hangar space by more than 70% while complementing the airport’s existing award-winning facilities and helping the airport prepare for the growing presence of the next generation of business jets.

In line with the airport’s other hangar facilities, which have been rated by BREEAM, the world’s leading sustainability assessment for infrastructure and buildings, the new hangar is expected to achieve some of the highest environmental standards. It will feature translucent automated doors, which will stretch the entire length of the building, to optimise natural light and reducing lighting usage. Aircraft will b able to manouevre easily thanks to the unhindered access provided by the door design, which will also help mitigate unnecessary emissions from aircraft handling activities.

“We want to be known as a global showcase for airport sustainability and the new hangar has been meticulously designed with this in mind,” said Simon Geere, Farnborough Airport’s CEO. “This investment will also provide a substantial boost for employment and economic growth in the region, whilst continuing our journey in providing the very best-in-class facilities to our customers at Europe’s number one business aviation airport.”

Construction of the new hangar is due to commence in August 2022 with completion scheduled for Q1 2024 with David Tooth, Founding Director of Gebler Tooth, David Tooth concluding: “We are delighted to be involved in this significant development at Farnborough Airport. Our team has worked closely with the airport and contractors teams to date to reach this stage and we are excited to see the project through to completion.”

August 2, 2022

Embraer’s latest aircraft makes debut landing at London City

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Embraer’s latest aircraft, the E195-E2 departed Farnborough on Friday 22 July bound for London City where it demonstrated its steep approach capability.

The landing, in anticipation of the aircraft’s certification for steep approach into the London hub later this year,  included ground handling tests and other preparations. It also demonstrates the importance Embraer places being able to offer London City capability to airlines with the E195-E2. The E190-E2 began operations into the UK capital in September 2021. Embraer aircraft account for 85% of all LCY operations on routes including Edinburgh in Scotland and Mykonos in Greece.

Seating up to 146 passengers the aircraft is the largest in the E2 family and the model flown into London City was fuelled with a 39% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and featured the eye-catching black and gold TechLion livery.

“The arrival of the E195-E2 signals that we are on the cusp of welcoming more new generation aircraft that provide world-class environmental performance, carry more passengers and have the potential to connect this airport with more global markets,” said Alison FitzGerald, COO at London City Airport.

She added: “This moment also represents the strength of the partnership we have with Embraer and together we are pushing the envelope of what’s possible at this airport, as at 146 seats and a wingspan of 35 metres, it will be comfortably the largest aircraft to operate from LCY.

“While the immediate focus is on certification, we are hopeful that we will see the first E195-E2 in operation next year with KLM, which will be a real cause of celebration.”

Meanwhile, Arjan Meijer, President and CEO Embraer Commercial Aviation commented: “London City feels like home for Embraer. It is a great airport, not just because it’s fast and efficient for passengers to travel through, but because its unique challenges as an airfield demonstrate the excellent performance of our E-jets. We are immensely proud to be the dominant aircraft brand at LCY and look forward to seeing scheduled services begin with the E195-E2.”

London City’s runway length measures 1,508m and descent angles are up to 5.5 degrees. Currently, 85% of all flights landing or departing the airport are E-Jets or the E190-E2 operated by such carriers as BA Cityflyer, KLM, Cityhopper and Helvetica Airways.

July 25, 2022

FIA2022: Farnborough’s roadmap to net-zero builds on airport’s pioneering legacy

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According to Farnborough Airport CEO, Simon Geere, the dedicated business aviation hub wants its “sustainability credentials to define who we are.” Geere was talking during a press briefing at this year’s Farnborough Airshow on Monday 18 July.

The airport launched its Net-Zero Roadmap  ahead of this week’s airshow throwing down the gauntlet to its competitors and customers by establishing an ambitious target of achieving net-zero by 2030. Titled ‘Roadmap to Net Zero by 2030 – Where will you be?” the airport is committing to be net-zero across its contollable (scope 1 & 2) emissions by 2030, if not sooner, “because that’s the earliest we think we can get there,” Geere told Regional Gateway.

In the two week run up to the airshow the airport also became the first in the world to offer sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at the same price as standard Jet A-1 fuel for a trial period. The airport has seen a significant increase in requests for SAF refuellings as a result of its trial. With SAF production and purchase costs currently a significant hurdle to its wider adoption across the aviation sector, Geere is hoping its lower cost SAF trial will put the spotlight on the importance of reducing the costs of SAF and signalling its intent to be a catalyst for change across the wider aviation industry.

“When it comes to supporting the decarbonisation of the aviation industry, we want to lead the way at Farnborough Airport, which is why we have set ourselves one of the most ambitious targets in the industry, by committing to be net zero across our controllable emissions by 2030 or sooner. Put simply, we want our customers to increasingly choose Farnborough Airport because of our sustainability credentials, alongside our market leading state-of-the-art facilities and our exceptional levels of customer care,” said Geere.

The roadmap’s pathway to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030 covers the reduction of emissions from buildings, the airfield and on-site operational vehicles. By 2035, it has also committed to targeting a reduction of its controllable emissions and those it has partial influence by over 40%. This includes emissions from the landing and take-off (LTO) cycle of aircraft up to 3,000 ft and surface access emissions generated by passenger journeys to and from the airport. The airport is also currently working on ensuring the majority of its ground vehicles are powered by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), reducing emissions by up to 90%.

Adding that the BizAv hub’s carbon footprint is smaller than that of a typical regional or UK hub airport, not only on an absolute level but also on an emissions per Air Traffic Movement (ATM) basis, Geere did concede this has primarily been achieved because the airport is catering for smaller jets with lower passenger numbers. It’s total emissions per ATM are less than 13% of a typical regional airport.

“We know where we want to be,” concluded Geere. “We are building on Farnborough’s historic and pioneering legacy and ensuring a growing and sustainble legacy the next generation can be proud of and we want to set the benchmark for environmental performance within our sector.”

July 18, 2022

Farnborough Airport collaborates with yacht brokerage company to boost luxe yachting lifestyle

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London’s dedicated business aviation hub, Farnborough Airport, has teamed up with the yacht brokerage company, Edmiston, to create a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the largest ever air-side advertisement on the airport’s radar tower, as part of a new fully immersive guest experience.

Passengers using the airport will find the award-winning terminal’s welcome wall and customer service vehicles featuring Edmiston’s iconic red branding, a newly designed Edmiston Lounge, and in July, the terminal’s 18m high air-side radar tower will also showcase the yacht company’s branding.

The Edmiston Lounge features a fully bespoke design, decked out with luxurious fabrics and furniture paired with Edmiston photography, a travel library, works of art and yacht models. In July, Edmiston’s creative branding placement will wrap two sides of the airport’s radar tower. The banner scales 18m high and 18m wide, making it the largest ever air-side advertisement in a UK airport.

“We believe there is great brand synergy between Edmiston and Farnborough Airport in offering exceptional service and an unrivalled private travel experience,” said Simon Geere, CEO of Farnbourh Airport. “We are delighted to launch our collaboration with Edmiston, and we look forward to welcoming clients travelling through our airport as they await their departure.”

Meanwhile, Jamie Edmiston, CEO of Edmiston said: “Guests travelling through Farnborough Airport can now experience a slice of the Edmiston lifestyle whilst waiting for their flight. We will offer them the greatest service and comfort when using the jet terminal, much as they would receive on one of our yachts, providing a completely seamless service from sky to sea.”

The creative branding sees two high-end luxe travel brands coming together to offer guests an immersive experience by adding extra touch points throughout the customer journey.

May 16, 2022

Farnborough Airport transitions to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil for on-site vehicles

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Farnborough Airport in the UK has begun the process of transitioning all diesel powered cars on site to being fuelled with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%.

Farnborough introduced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in July 2021 and this latest announcement marks a milestone in the airport’s work to support the decarbonisation of the wider aviation industry. The airport was also the first business aviation airport to be awarded carbon neutral status by ACI Europe and has over the past 10 years reduced its controllable emissions by more than 70%.

“The Farnborough Airport team recognises that climate change is a clear and pressing issue and is committed to minimising its environmental impact and improving environmental performance throughout its operations,” said CEO Simon Geere. “The introduction of HVO is another milestone in our sustainability programme and an integral part in delivering against the government’s targets for net-zero carbon emissions.”

HVO is supplied to the air transport hub by the WP Group and is a paraffinic diesel, which can directly replace standard diesel, with no retrofitting required to the respective vehicle. It is produced from 100% sustainable renewable feedstocks waste, including used cooking oil, plant food and animal waste, with each order accredited to the Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme. Benefits of the fuel include increased storage life, reduced NOx and PM tailpipe emissions and it has a low freezing point.

WP Groups Commercial Manager, Mark Clouter commented, “It’s great to see Farnborough Airport switching to a renewable fuel. HVO offers an immediate way to reduce emissions, without incurring capital costs to change vehicles or equipment. WP is committed to our longstanding relationship with Farnborough Airport providing a secure supply of the latest products, technologies and fuel management supporting the Airport’s sustainability programme.”

 

April 13, 2022
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Farnborough Airport positions itself as sustainability showcase for other airports

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Farnborough Airport, which is owned by Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets, has its sights set on serving as a sustainability showcase for other airports.

Speaking on Tuesday 8 February, Simon Geere, Farnborough Airport’s CEO, said: “Sustainability is an area we are investing in heavily. We want to be leaders in terms of delivering sustainability credentials.”

Last year the airport introduced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for its customers and despite limited stock and prices being around 50% more than Jet A-1, sales of SAF at the dedicated business aviation hub are slowly increasing.

Geere also noted that having been the first business aviation facility to achieve carbon neutrality in 2018, the airport continues to make environmental investments.

These include the electrification of ground power units and fleet vehicles, as well as a staff leasing scheme for electric vehicles. Investments are also being made in HVO renewable diesel for ground vehicles such as de-icing, firefighting and snow-clearing trucks.

In line with its mission to “put sustainability at the heart of everything” the airport will also continue to work closely with its business jet owner and operator partners, including NetJets, VistaJet and Flexjet, to help reduce their carbon footprint.

Geere also revealed the airport has agreed an MoU with UK-based Vertical Aerospace, which aims to bring the VX4 – a four-passenger, zero operational emissions eVTOL aircraft – into commercial service in 2024. This collaboration would see quieter, more efficient connectivity with central London.

And with work expected to start on a new 175,000 sq. ft hangar later this year, sustainability will also be integral to the build, which has been given a rating of “very good” by the BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM).

The £35m facility, which will offer four bays of temperature-controlled hangarage, is expected to be completed in 2024 and will almost double the existing hangar space.

Noting that the development of this new hangar reinforces Macquarie’s commitment, Geere said: “It really starts that cycle of investment again under new ownership.”

Home to around 56 based aircraft, Farnborough is consistently voted the number one FBO in Europe and Geere remains optimistic about the outlook through 2022.

“We remain 100% dedicated and tailored to the needs of the business aviation community,” he said. “We were built from the bottom up to support business aviation and that’s what makes us stand out from our competitors. We are also uniquely integrated [the FBO, fuelling and ground handling are all overseen by the airport operator], which means we can deliver the product we want to deliver and remain wholly responsible for the customer experience.”

Last year the airport saw 26,003 aircraft movements (in 2019 it recorded a total of 32,366 movements) with 90% of flights in and out of Farnborough now short-haul sectors within Europe.

Keep an eye out for our exclusive video interview with Farnborough Airport CEO, Simon Geere, in next week’s newsletter.

February 9, 2022

Farnborough Airport scoops FBO of the year title at ACA Awards

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Farnborough Airport in the UK was named FBO of the year in the Air Charter Association (ACA) Excellence Awards, 2021. The Annual awards highlight the best in the aviation sector and award companies for excellence within specific fields. Winners are selected through a combination of member voting and deliberations of the ACA’s industry adjudication panel.

“We are delighted to receive this prestigious accolade and we are hugely appreciative to all those who voted for us,” said Farnborough Airport’s Business Development Manager, Richard Wittels. “This award is testament to the hard work of the entire Farnborough Airport team, who are committed to delivering outstanding customer service and operational excellence.”

Recognised as the UK’s first airfield in aviation history and home to the country’s first powered flight in 1908, Farnborough Airport continues to be a leader in aviation. It hosts Farnborough Airshow every two years and in 2018 was the first business aviation airport to be awarded carbon neutral status by Airports Council International (ACI) Europe under the Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme. In July 2021 the airport introduced the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

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October 18, 2021

Farnborough offers ongoing supply of SAF for all aircraft

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Farnborough Airport in the UK has partnered with Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel and World Fuel Services to offer sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to all aircraft using the airport.

Having been named the world’s first carbon neutral business aviation airport in 2018, the ongoing availability of SAF at the airport allows the reduction of flying emissions by up to 80% and marks a significant next step in the airport’s work to support the decarbonisation of the wider aviation industry.

“The introduction of SAF at Farnborough Airport is a major milestone in our sustainability programme and we are pleased to be able to offer Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel by working with our fuel provider World Fuel Services,” said Simon Geere, CEO, Farnborough Airport. “We are fully committed to a sustainable future and are delighted to offer our customers the opportunity to make a greener choice and work with us to play an integral part in delivering against the UK Government’s targets for net-zero carbon emissions.”

In line with its status as a carbon neutral airport, Farnborough has reduced its controllable emissions by over 70% over the last 10 years and is committed to minimising its environmental impact and improving environmental performance throughout its operations.

Produced from 100% renewable and sustainable feedstock and residual raw materials such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste, the Neste MY SAF avaialable at Farnborough Airport reduces up to 80% of greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel over its lifecycle.

Commenting on the partnership with Farnborough and Neste, Duncan Storey, Vice President Supply Europe, World Fuel Services said: “World Fuel Services was the first company to have blended SAF in the UK and worked with Farnborough Airport to make SAF available during Europe’s inaugural SAF demonstration at EBACE 2019.”

He added, “we applaud Farnborough’s leadership in sustainability and look forward to continuing our relationship by delivering a regular SAF supply to the airport. World Fuel services remains committed to supporting Farnborough’s sustainability initiatives by providing carbon-reducing options for business aircraft and continuing to aid in the procurement of sustainable fuels.”

July 12, 2021

Farnborough Airport welcomes award-winning On Air Dining to airport cafe

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Dedicated business aviation hub, Farnborough Airport, has welcomed On Air Dining and its award-winning inflight service to the airport’s cafe.

Airport staff, tenants, crew and passengers, can now tuck into premium quality breakfasts, as well as other meals, freshly-baked goods and beverages at the airport’s On Air Cafe.

On Air Dining’s produce is all locally sourced from artisanal farms throughout the UK, while 100% compostable or recyclable packaging makes the On Air Cafe a delicious and environmentally friendly choice.

Specially designed crew meal packages and a wide range of high quality grabo-and-go meals are ideal for last minute flights or additional passengers.

April 21, 2021