London Oxford Airport plays host to world leaders at the European Political Community meeting

Saturday 20th July 2024

London Oxford Airport was delighted to play a small part in the bringing together of 47 European leaders, including newly elected UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the King, for the European Political Community summit at Blenheim Palace on 18^th July.

Having in recent years also hosted the US President for a dinner back in 2018, Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill, is one of the world’s great venues for VVIP meetings.  “Arguably it has its own international airport here at London Oxford Airport, just 1.75 miles away,” said Head of Business Development James Dillon Godfray, whose work preparing for all these Heads of State aircraft started many months ago.  “The fact that the airport plays host to Thames Valley Police headquarters at the entrance, also proves a notable advantage when hosting dignitaries, Royalty and Heads of State,” he added. 

For two periods during the day, the airport was exclusively used for a number of world leaders attending the summit, a mere five-minute drive away.   Both military and private aircraft were involved, but the convenience for those in attendance was realised through the use of London Oxford Airport and its VVIP handling facilities and team.   Having recently introduced Sustainable Aviation Fuel to the airport, SAF was also on offer to all the visitors to the event.

With full commercial capabilities and CAT 6 RFFS (fire and rescue services), Oxford provides users with the services required for aircraft up to Boeing BBJ, EMB-195 or Airbus ACJ sizes.  Through its co-ownership operating London’s only licenced heliport, those choosing to interline between the two ports can do so in under 20 minutes.   London Oxford Airport’s road link to London, the M40 motorway, is the least congested and fastest arterial route in and out of the UK capital.

"When the use of a magnificent venue like Blenheim and its local airport come together, the logistical and security-related advantages really come into play,” said London Oxford Airport Managing Director Will Curtis.  “Dinners with American presidents, bringing together of Europe’s leaders, events like the upcoming 2024 Game Fair, or some extraordinary weddings – we can host them all.”