Cambridge Airport announces key initiative for major sporting events.

Wednesday 27th April 2011

East of England-based Cambridge Airport has announced a new initiative to attract business aviation operators to the airport during major sporting events. Launched under the brand of Major Events Service the airport is offering charter operators, government fleets and private owners the opportunity to pre-purchase guaranteed parking slots with a one time fee that also includes all landing and take off costs. Looking to next year, peak periods are expected in July and August just before and after the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics. The package, which applies to an individual aircraft's tail-number incorporates a deposit paid upfront of £5k, and is designed to support operators already planning their activity during this time.

"Cambridge Airport is perfectly positioned for the games as it takes just under an hour by convenient road networks to reach the east London area where the main Olympic stadium is based," says Archie Garden, Airport Director. " We anticipate the airport's location and innovative pricing strategy will be of particular interest to the larger jets who will easily see the value of the proposition. For example a Gulfstream or Global Express that flies in and out once will easily recoup their spend, and for mid-size aircraft only two or three movements are required within the specified time frame to make it cost effective."

Cambridge airport will have capacity for up to 90 average size business jets and is offering the deal on a first come first served basis. With aircraft parking anticipated to be a challenge the new initiative allows operators to pre-book their space, without having to commit to specific slots. The offer which is available until 1 November 2011 is tailored specifically for the dates of 26th July until 13 August 2012.

The airport also has the added benefit that it is located ten miles north of the restricted fly zone, which reduces the restrictions the planned slot co-ordination process may cause and avoids the busy London airspace. "For our clients originating in the USA this is a major advantage as they can avoid the crowded skies of London, land at Cambridge and reach London in just over an hour," comments Garden on the airport's position.

The proximity of the airport to the venues is just one of the many benefits for operators looking for a premium service at a busy time. For clients arriving into Cambridge a dedicated 24/7 visitor co-ordinator can provide a range of information from the best route to the venue, where the best hotel is with rooms available, and can even arrange ticket purchase as needed. Significant investment has already been made to attract business aviation including a stylish FBO, increased hangarage capacity and a new GPS approach to complement its ILS system, the airport functions as a fully fledged commercial aviation operation. No slot restrictions, full Category 7 fire & ATC status and 24/7 operational capability enables Cambridge Airport, formerly known as Marshall Airport Cambridge, to focus on growing its executive aviation potential and developing other niche, commercial aviation opportunities, including airport services training.

About Cambridge Airport:

Cambridge Airport is privately owned by the Marshall Group, a 100 year-old Group of Companies, which is owned and managed by the Marshall Family. The Marshall Group activities include Cambridge Airport, Marshall Executive Aviation, and Marshall Aerospace, focused on engineering and technology.

Cambridge Airport primarily targets the east of England market with a strong focus on Cambridge and its business, academic and industrial communities with an estimated 700,000 people living within the direct catchment area and another 800,000 living within an hour's drive of the airport.

A strong provider to the equine community Cambridge Airport is 10 miles from Newmarket and offers regular services for the transportation of horses.

Cambridge Airport is home to a variety of aviation service providers including charter operator Marshall Executive Aviation, MEA which operates a Cessna Citation Bravo and Citation XLS as well as a Bombardier Challenger 300. Other aviation companies include Capital Air Services and several GA flight training operators. It is also home of the East Anglian Air Ambulance service operated by Bond Helicopters. A fully authorised Cessna Service centre is located at the airport.

www.cambridgeairport.com