Panel To Discuss Unique Challenges At Cambridge Airport

Some unique challenges facing business aviation in Great Britain during the 2012 Summer Olympics will be discussed at the forthcoming Business Aviation and General Aviation Day (BGAD) to be held at Cambridge Airport on Tuesday, September 20, 2011.

Cambridge Airport Director Archie Cambridge

"The Practicalities of the Olympics" will feature an industry panel moderated by journalist Charles Alcock to discuss some crucial issues facing operators, charter providers, FBOs and the 30-plus UK airports that have been identified to handle business and general aviation flights for the event, which runs from July 27 to August 12, 2012.

Issues addressed will include when to start security screening of new employees, the buying in of fuel, provision for aircraft parking and securing ground transportation. It's not yet clear which airports are going to be declared 24/7 during the period, and how and when operators and charter brokers should go about booking their slots and parking stands at airports.

Industry players have been voicing concern about restrictions and proposed airspace changes being placed on London airspace between July 14 and August 15. Separate, geographically smaller, airspace restrictions will cover the London 2012 Paralympic Games from August 16 to September 12. Some fear it's too late to get concessions from government regulators needed by business operators.

During the Olympics all takeoff and departure slots will be allocated, and slots at peak times will be in heavy demand. The 14 principal business airports in the UK are expected to handle their existing baseline demand, plus more than 110,000 event-related operations during the 31-day peak period.

Alcock will ask panelists to discuss whether it's time for business operators to put aside competitive struggles and work together to showcase business aviation’s winning edge.

The Olympics panel will comprise: Trevor Jones, Director Client Relations of business aviation operator Gama Aviation, one of the largest charter companies with a worldwide fleet of 80 aircraft, headquartered at Farnborough, UK; David Macdonald, Director – Private Jets, Air Partner plc, one of the world’s longest established and largest charter providers; Archie Garden will represent Cambridge Airport, which, with its long runway and its proximity to the east of London is well positioned to accept Olympics traffic; James Cole, Director International of Airport Co-ordination Ltd (ACL) the leaders in slot co-ordination which is working closely with DfT and its consultant Atkins on accommodating Olympics traffic. They will be joined by a senior representative from ExecuJet, which runs eight FBOs in Europe, South Africa and Australasia. They will share their experience handling the Davos World Economic Forums each year and the recent 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The one-hour session at Cambridge will take place at 1100z on September 20 If you wish to attend, register online.

BGAD, a collaboration between EBAN and host airport Marshall Group-owned Cambridge Airport, UK, has established a reputation as an informal day, where professionals in business aviation get to network in a focused environment, and where the aircraft are freely accessible for up-close inspection.

FMI: www.bgad.aero