UK Civil Aviation Authority Approves A 21 Percent Increase

London Oxford Airport said Monday that, following approval last week by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the declared takeoff distance for its runway has been increased by 896 feet, or 21 percent. The gain is the result of an investment was made four years ago in a wider and stronger runway. 

London Oxford Airport New Runway

Licensed take-off distances are now 5,223 ft and 5,112 ft, allowing many more business aircraft types to achieve maximum take-off weight or near maximum performance from the airport for the first time. This is considered to be good news for operators headed transatlantic or for non-stop destinations in the Middle East or beyond. In addition, more regional airliner types can now maximize passenger loads from the airport.

The increased usable lengths come hard on the heels of newly approved runway status from Code 2C to Code 3C.  This was achieved following an extensive programme to remove obstacles and safeguard the safety surfaces to the sides of the runway and on the approaches at either end. "We initiated a project a couple of years ago to relocate navigation aids and deal with several hundred trees and other obstacles with the aim of achieving Code 3C runway parameters, following the laying of a new runway in 2007," said  Mike Sparrow, Airport Manager at London Oxford Airport.

CAT 1 ILS Lighting

"This achievement makes a substantial difference for the future evolution of the airport.  Many business jet and regional airliner types can now carry more passengers, or achieve significant gains in range from the airport," added James Dillon-Godfray, Business Development Director. "Outbound transatlantic charters are now possible on certain types, opening up the North American market for us, for the first time.   On the airline side, we can now court the furthest parts of the European market." Beginning in June, London Oxford Airport will commence regular charters from Oxford to Palma, Mallorca.

At the end of November, the airport received its largest ever aircraft, the Embraer Lineage 100, which as the EMB-190 in airline configuration, carries nearly 100 passengers. Operated by Oxford-based charter company, Hangar 8 plc, the Oxford-based Lineage can easily undertake transcontinental flights from Oxford Airport.

FMI: www.londonoxfordairport.co.uk