New Authorized Pilatus Service Center At London Biggin Hill Airport

Oriens Aviation, the exclusive British Isles Pilatus Center, formally inaugurated its new MRO facility, Oriens Maintenance Services, at London Biggin Hill Airport on February 15 to an audience of 130 guests, including senior representatives from Pilatus Aircraft, plus three PC-12 NGs on display.

Founder and CEO of Oriens Aviation Edwin Brenninkmeyer said his company is proud to be at the forefront of the single-engine turboprop (SET) revolution, one of the brightest spots in the business aviation industry today. “Avalon Aero’s facility at London Biggin Hill Airport became available for purchase at exactly the right time to facilitate Oriens’ expansion,” he said.  “It reinforces our company’s commitment to the world’s best-selling single-engined turboprop, complementing our sales activity with AOC and pilot training advisory, MRO and warranty work.”

“Looking to the future is why we have chosen London Biggin Hill as our location,” Brenninkmeyer said. “It is the closest business aviation airport to London with full IFR facilities, customs and extended opening hours, the lowest aeronautical fees for the abundance of services provided.  Furthermore, Biggin Hill is specifically targeting new business aviation activity.  It can only be hugely advantageous for us to be based at a thriving, expanding business aviation hub - right where all the action is.”

Brenninkmeyer has been based at London Biggin Hill Airport – initially with a consultancy business – since 2010, but his relationship with the airport goes back 24 years to when he was first based there - as a private pilot flying a Rockwell Commander.

Speaking at the launch event, Andy Patsalides, Marketing Manager at London Biggin Hill Airport, said the PC-12 has become a game-changer for air charter following the EASA regulation update last year. "Pilatus customers make an insightful choice with this speedy and economic aircraft," Patsalides said.  "We are delighted that Oriens Aviation has chosen to bring their sales, customer support and maintenance services under one roof here at London Biggin Hill.  As the only dedicated business aviation airport within the capital, we are firmly established as the preferred base for many MRO operators and other aviation businesses in the U.K.”

Patsalides also noted that PC-12 movements at London Biggin Hill Airport grew by 17% in 2017 to 400 movements across 85 different tail numbers.  (According to WINGX analysis).

Following a significant front of house refurbishment, improvement to the hangar facilities and the addition of several new staff, including Paul Bryant as Finance Manager, Oriens is now ready to support existing customers. Director of Maintenance Dave Plumpton said the company recently concluded two 100-hour inspections and a pre-buy check, with the first PC-12 NG under new ownership due to come in for a service this week, Director of Maintenance Dave Plumpton confirmed.

(Images provided with Oriens Aviation news release)

FMI: www.oriensaviation.com