London Biggin Hill airport and Olympics 2012

The groundswell of the 2012 Olympic Games in London is expected to bring benefits to shops and local businesses in and around Biggin Hill airport, longer term developments to the SE London area and generate more airport-related revenues in favour of Bromley’s Council.

The proximity of Biggin Hill to central London and to the Olympic Park at Stratford brings a special focus for visitors in business and private aircraft travelling to London for the events.  The recent national award as ‘Best Business Aviation Airport’ from the UK industry has enhanced the international reputation of the airport as a high standard provider.   Furthermore, the ready availability of the airport as a top-rated and convenient gateway is certain to showcase Biggin Hill and SE London as a business area for investment.   Amongst the identifiable benefits ensuing from the legacy of the London Games is the expectation that it will generate worthwhile increases in the economic contribution already being made directly and indirectly to the Council and the local community.

In 2010, the Council received between £1.1 and £1.2 million from the airport and its directly related companies and activities.   By comparison, this represents a remarkable turn-around from the situation in the mid-1990s when the airport represented a drain of £400,000 per annum on the Council and only minor rate-payer revenues.

Airport Director Peter Lonergan says that the 2012 Games represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity spread over a brief 2-month period to show the global business and private aviation market how high standards are set at Biggin Hill in all areas.

“I don’t think that many people realise how much income for the Council the existence of the airport generates. The potential for attracting valuable new business during this brief window is high and our aim is to provide a top class service that they will remember.  We need decisions now to enable the integrated components to be put in place such as recruiting and training new staff;  to be able to verify modestly extended hours of operation; and to plan and introduce enhancements to our own infrastructure.   Any unnecessary delays will see our opportunities gradually wither on the vine to the detriment of all concerned” he says.

“We need the local community to understand and to be supportive of our Olympic plans so that we can make the very best of this short-term event to win a legacy of longer term and lasting benefits for the community” Mr Lonergan says.