17-May-2016 Source: Netjets
NetJets Europe today unveiled a key investment in the London private aviation market, through a partnership with The London Heliport – the only Heliport in the city certified by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The Heliport will be known as NetJets London Heliport and will feature extensive branding for both NetJets and its sister company, Executive Jet Management Europe (EJME), within the building and around the landing site.
The Heliport is a key piece of infrastructure for those flying privately in the UK and is a prime link between the city and surrounding airports that NetJets Europe serves. The number of interlining flights from the Heliport with onward private jet flights increased up to 20% last year. Biggest contributors included London Stansted, Biggin Hill, Farnborough, London Luton and London Oxford airports. The Heliport recently celebrated its 500,000th movement over the course of its 59-year history.
Mark Wilson, President of NetJets Europe commented: “London is the very core of NetJets’ European business – with over one third of our customers based here – so to cement our presence in the city with this partnership allows us to educate new audiences on the benefits of fractional jet ownership. We have seen a link between those using helicopters and private jets for some time and are pleased we can now partner with an establishment that shares our vision for customer service and attention to detail.”
NetJets Europe has begun 2016 with a strong period of growth; with a 4.9% increase in flights for Q1 YoY and an 8.2% increase in passengers flown during the same period. Flight traffic departing from the London area also saw an increase of 5.9% and arrivals during the same period have risen by 6.5%.
The London Heliport was purchased by the Reuben Brothers in 2012. Its position as the only CAA certified heliport in the city ensures it is utilised fully by passengers travelling through London. In 2015, the Heliport handled 10, 500 movements – the highest numbers seen since 2008 – with record movement days occurring Royal Ascot race days, Cheltenham, as well as the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone.
“We’re very pleased to welcome this partnership with NetJets Europe and look forward to working closely over the coming months to enhance travel experiences for all our passengers. We’ve admired the NetJets brand for some time and the natural synergy between helicopters and private jets means we can combine our strengths and benefit those choosing to fly privately for work or leisure. Our traffic numbers continue to increase showing the relevance of what we can offer to the city of London – we look forward to that continuing now alongside NetJets Europe,” said Simon Hutchins, General Manager, The London Heliport.