Radical changes at Oxford

Oxford Airport has announced a number of major changes which will significantly benefit GA.

Day-to-day management of the airfield has been switched from Oxford Aviation Training to a new business unit with a brief to develop the airport for the benefit of the general and business aviation.

To that end, weekend landing fees for light GA traffic (under 2730kg) will be just £5 or free with a fuel uplift of 40 litres or more.

Throughout 2003, aircraft access to the airport will be significantly improved, while parking and hangarage are to be enhanced and expanded. A building next to the tower is undergoing refurbishment to provide a reception, operations facilities, visiting crew offices with internet and weather terminals, lounges and a meeting room.

The move follows a reduction in the number of movements at Oxford Aviation Training (formally the Oxford Air Training School), which has gradually moved VFR operations to its sister operation in Tyler, Texas – movements this year at Oxford (which once saw 250,000 a year) will have dropped from around 160,000 to just 80,000 by the year’s end.

The airfield has a restaurant, cafe and sports centre on site with a new pilot’s shop due to open in February. For the piston GA community, Oxford offers comprehensive one-stop-shop aircraft support services on-site. Business turbine aircraft operators can benefit from extended opening times with 24 hours possible, a 5000ft (1500m) main strip, concessionary ‘GA Agreement’ airfield status for customs and immigration, no standard handling or nav fees and discreet, low-key airside access with 24-hourr manned security.