31 October 2012
Following a formal Expressions of Interest and Tender process, Jersey Airport is entering into a commercial agreement with UK based aircraft operator Hangar8 to allow them to construct a new fixed based hangar operation at the airport.
If plans are approved, a new 55,000 square feet hangar wil be built which will increase the capacity of hangar facilities at the airport and provide new services and opportunities for the corporate jet market.
Hangar8 is based in Oxford and it is one of the largest corporate aircraft operators in the UK and one of the top five in Europe, with aircraft already based in Jersey. The new fixed based operator will become a Jersey registered company and plan to recruit local staff to train them in handling and maintenance operations.
Subject to a planning application, which is likely to be submitted in the first quarter of 2013, the company plan to construct the new hangar on the site of the current air cargo centre, located at the south eastern part of the airfield. All construction will be paid by the fixed based operator.
Cargo centre plans
Jersey Airport is seeking to submit a planning application before the end of 2012 to build a new air cargo facility on the southern part of the airfield, adjacent to the fuel farm . The current building will be demolished as it is now beyond its economic life. Discussions continue with the current air cargo centre occupants, who are supportive of the proposals which will improve their working environment.
Group CEO for Ports of Jersey, Doug Bannister, says "This is an exciting development, which provides solid growth opportunities for Jersey Airport. Enquiries from interested fixed based operators have demonstrated to us that there is sufficient demand to create incremental growth in the private jet market. Our existing fixed base operation provides a very good product for this market and we believe that by creating an additional aviation facility in Jersey it allows the airport, the existing operator and Hangar8 to explore new commercial opportunities, grow the sector and improve the level of facilities we can offer the private jet market."
Hangar8 CEO, Dustin Dryden, says "This agreement represents a significant revenue and growth opportunity for Hangar8 and is in-line with our strategic objective of growing profitably into economically advantageous geographical areas. The presence of a fixed new state-of-the-art operation in Jersey will not only allow Hangar8 to further expand its offering to our existing global client base, but will also facilitate incremental growth in our aircraft management, charter and maintenance business through relationships with Jersey’s significant private aviation market."
If planning approval is given, it is hoped a new air cargo facility will be completed by the end of 2013, allowing for the demolition current facility so that Hangar8 can start building in 2014.
gov.je