Minutes:
David Winstanley, Chief Executive Officer – London Biggin Hill Airport (“Chief Executive Officer”) gave a presentation to the Partnership.
London Biggin Hill Airport’s (LBHA) vision was to “strive to be London’s pre-eminent full-service Business Aviation Airport and a leading centre for Aviation Technology and Enterprise”. The Chief Executive Officer highlighted that the airport’s values were for their customers, stakeholders and the community to see the delivery of this vision “safely and securely through integrity, innovation, professionalism, accountability and respect” which would be underpinned by “building trust and exceptional teamwork”.
The airport’s strategy involved three interlocking elements: a London Gateway for business; an Aircraft Home Base for aircraft owners; and an Aircraft Service Centre providing facilities for aircraft managers and agencies. As London’s only dedicated Business Aviation airport, LBHA had brought over £70m Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy. It provided 1,300 jobs; housed more than 70 aerospace companies; and flights from the airport flew to more than 750 destinations in over 70 countries.
The LBHA Business Plan for the next five to ten years included Market and Demand Analysis, in recognition of the competitive environment. Other airports made 65%-75% of their revenue from car parking and shopping, whereas at LBHA, 95% of revenue was directly from aviation movements. Work would also be undertaken in relation to a Capacity Assessment; Revenue Simulation and Forecasting; and a Strategy Document had be drawn up for discussions with the landlord.
LBHA had been identified as an Outer London Development Centre as part of the London Plan. Planning permission had been approved for the OEM Hanger, which would provide their London engineering headquarters. The development would “break ground” on 18th February 2020, with the build expected to be completed in April 2020. Other developments on the site included the London Aerospace and Technical College and airport hotel, for which landlord consent was expected within 24 hours. Both developments were situated on the same piece of development land, and it was anticipated that they would “break ground” in September 2020. Future developments were proposed over the next couple of year, subject to planning permission being granted.
LBHA had launched its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policy, which would be integrated into the day to day running, business planning and future strategy of the airport to the benefit of their people, community and environment. LBHA was a supporter of AOA Sustainable Aviation, and had signed up to its long term strategy, which set out a collective approach to tackling the challenge of ensuring a cleaner, quieter and smarter future for the industry.
In response to a question, the Chief Executive Officer said that ‘driverless’ technology would be difficult due to the need for vertical take-off and landing. Licenses were being developed for this type of technology, but it would not be used for scheduled services. It was noted that even if it was considered for short duration flights with limited capacity, there would be a number of issues and it may not be commercially viable.
In respect of job creation, the Chief Executive Officer said that there was a target of providing 2,300 jobs at LBHA by 2030, but he felt this could be exceeded. It was noted that the hanger development would generate a significant number of skilled jobs and roles for local people that would be relatively well paid. Work was also being undertaken in relation to HR initiatives and transfer packs.
A Member asked if it was envisaged that there would be improved public transport to LBHA. The Chief Executive Officer acknowledged that service access was challenging, and it was hoped that the need for this would be emphasised further once the building of the London Aerospace and Technical College and airport hotel was underway. It was noted that LBHA needed to work with the Local Authority to consider ways to improve this.
In response to a question, the Chief Executive Officer said that there were three significant events planned to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain – a Chapel event on 10th July 2020; a Commemoration event on 18th August 2020; and a Charity Hanger Dance on 15th September 2020, to raise money for the museum. It was noted that this would impact the airport’s ability to stage the Festival of Flight, which had been postponed to 2021.
The Chairman thanked Mr Winstanley on behalf of the Partnership for his fascinating presentation, and for hosting the meeting at London Biggin Hill Airport.