For MRO Management, David Winstanley, chief executive of London Biggin Hill Airport, explains that by prioritising strategic investments, job creation, and industry collaboration, the airport has created a thriving MRO hub that attracts global industry leaders and fosters long-term economic value.
MRO operations are fundamental to the business aviation sector, ensuring that aircraft remain safe, fully operational, and able to meet the increasing demands of global markets. As an already complex industry evolves, for regional and business airports to be successful, they must find innovative and efficient ways to support MRO businesses. This requires cultivating environments that not only facilitate MRO operations but also foster collaboration, drive innovation, and create long-term economic benefits.
Home to more MRO-related businesses than any other airport in Europe, London Biggin Hill Airport is an excellent example of how a thriving aviation hub can create a virtuous cycle. As more businesses base themselves at the airport, employment opportunities increase, attracting further inward investment. Over the last decade, the airport has secured significant funding, enabling its resident MRO businesses to expand and offer high-skilled jobs that benefit both the aviation sector and local economy.
Proving the benefits of creating and working within a pre-eminent full-service MRO hub is key to attracting leading companies seeking a strategic base. London Biggin Hill Airport is constantly developing, but our success so far has some critical central tenets.
Ongoing investments
Strategic investment in infrastructure is the foundation of a thriving MRO ecosystem. Airports that provide modern facilities, skilled labour access, proximity to major flight routes and a supportive environment will not only attract MRO companies but also retain them. In a competitive global market, those that are slow to meet the needs of their customers and enhance their estates risk losing out.
As a leading centre of aerospace innovation in the UK, London Biggin Hill Airport has enabled companies like international business jet manufacturer Bombardier and helicopter specialist Castle Air to expand their service offerings and improve operational efficiency. For example, since Castle Air’s arrival at the airport a decade ago, the company has significantly expanded its hangar space. More recently, Castle Air added a 20,000 sq ft facility to accommodate 23 additional helicopters, along with VIP lounges and office spaces.
Ross Bunyard, managing director at Castle Air Group, said: “London Biggin Hill Airport has proven to be an ideal location for Castle Air’s operations. Its strong network of interrelated aviation and engineering businesses provides us with the resources needed to consistently meet the high standards expected by our clients.
“Over the past decade we have been able to enhance Castle Air’s services, from helicopter maintenance to charters, and more, while continuing to support our expanding customer base effectively.”
In addition to Castle Air, Bombardier’s presence at the airport reflects London Biggin Hill Airport’s role in supporting MRO operations. With a state-of-the-art facility that spans nearly 250,000 sq ft, Bombardier can accommodate up to 14 Global 7500 aircraft simultaneously within its hangar. This expanded capacity allows Bombardier to offer a full range of maintenance and refurbishment services, including component painting and interior refurbishment.
By understanding and addressing the needs of MROs, we have attracted major industry players and supported them as they have developed and thrived. The success of these MRO activities not only strengthens the aviation ecosystem but drives significant economic benefits, from job creation to long-term investment.
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London Biggin Hill Airport is home to more MRO-related businesses than any other airport in Europe.
Economic value
The economic contribution of MRO activities at airports cannot be overstated. In 2023, London Biggin Hill Airport generated £200 million Gross Value Added (GVA) for the UK economy, with the potential to deliver more than £630 million in the future. While MRO operations play a significant role here, this impact includes the indirect and induced supply chain effects from all of the airport’s resident businesses, translating to £142.9 million (72%) captured within the London Borough of Bromley, directly benefiting local residents.
For MROs, this economic value is crucial as they are key enablers of the aviation sector’s success. Their contribution ripples beyond direct maintenance work, as they create demand for a wide array of supporting industries, from parts manufacturing to specialised services. This interconnectedness strengthens the entire supply chain, allowing airports like London Biggin Hill Airport to become economic engines, driving success not just for aviation but also for the local and national economy.
Job creation
Airports like London Biggin Hill Airport are also a significant source of employment, providing a wide range of high-quality, well-paid jobs, from technical roles in aircraft maintenance and engineering, to customer service, logistics and administration. This diversity of roles supports local economies by offering employment across various skill levels and sectors.
Businesses within the London Biggin Hill Strategic Outer London Development Centre (SOLDC) employ over 1,700 people. We are one of the largest employers in the London Borough of Bromley. Our diverse ecosystem, which includes MRO services and other aviation-related businesses, strengthens the aviation sector and offers valuable career opportunities. In fact, the airport now supports 88 jobs for every 1,000 air traffic movements (ATMs).
If future plans are implemented, London Biggin Hill Airport is projected to generate up to 7,649 jobs nationally. When factoring in the supply chain and wider labour market, this would translate to 5,796 jobs in Bromley – representing 5.1% of the borough’s workforce.
For MROs, the importance of job creation goes hand-in-hand with the development of a skilled workforce. The technical nature of MRO operations demands highly trained engineers and technicians, creating a pipeline of specialised talent. Working alongside our MROs, and with schools and young people in the local area, we have inspired and nurtured ambition to create the next generation of MRO workers through outreach schemes and apprenticeships, creating opportunities both for our resident businesses and our community.
A blueprint for success in the MRO sector
Sustained investment in an airport’s estate, facilities and services not only benefits the aviation sector but provides advantages for employees, local communities, the economy, and importantly, the network of MRO businesses. The diverse expertise offered by these firms ensures support for aircraft operators, owners, and manufacturers, covering both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. It is an ecosystem that perpetuates development and success.
By fostering job creation, supporting local businesses, and investing in infrastructure, airports can reinforce their positions as critical drivers of economic prosperity and innovation, while ensuring they remain competitive and relevant, shaping the future of aviation and MRO operations for decades to come.
Castle Air has recently added a 20,000 sq ft facility at London Biggin Hill Airport to accommodate 23 additional helicopters.
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