Signature Flight Support London Luton to Construct State of the Art FBO Complex
Signature Flight Support held a ground breaking ceremony today at its London Luton Airport location and announced that it is commencing construction of a new, state-of-the-art fixed base operation (FBO) to replace its existing facility.
London Luton airport is the main gateway for Business and General Aviation travel into London and is the busiest B&GA Airport in the UK and the third in Europe, handling approximately 12,000 flights annually.
The new facilities at Signature Luton will be comprised of a 1,572 square metre passenger and FBO facility and 4,500 square meters of hangar space capable of housing two Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) or Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ) sized aircraft. A dedicated ground service equipment garage will also be built. The new construction will be built to LEED certification standards as set by the U.S. Green Building Council. It will boast the latest in technologies for entertainment, communications, passenger and crew amenities and onward travel solutions. A covered car park and arrival area will protect passengers from inclement weather. With private conference, waiting and catering facilities, passengers will be able to work or relax at the new facility with an expansive view of the airport ramp.
Access to the aircraft ramp for VIP passengers via a dedicated and secured gate for customer vehicles has been incorporated into the design plan. Security systems and screening areas will represent the latest in technology and customer services to minimize the impact on customers’ schedules. The overall design of the facility minimizes transit time in all areas of the FBO for the convenience of passengers and crew.
Maria Sastre, President and Chief Operating Officer noted, “Signature Luton is a keystone location in our global network drawing visitors from all over the globe. This new, contemporary facility is designed to accommodate the needs of our discerning customers, both passengers and crew. Signature is keenly focused on providing a world-class travel experience both in terms of our people and in our facilities. We are committed to investing to ensure that Signature continues to be an industry leader now and long into the future.” She continued, “I would like to extend Signature’s gratitude to the Town of Luton and the Luton Borough Council for their support of this project which will bring significant benefits to the local business community and to those travelling through.”
The new Signature Luton FBO will create new jobs and contribute significantly to the local economy while becoming a key asset to the redevelopment of the airport and community. The town of Luton and the Borough Council played an integral role in the approval process for the new construction. Councilor Sian Timoney, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, said: "As an active member of the Love Luton campaign and a supporter of local charities, Signature has become firmly embedded within the Luton community and now I am delighted that it is investing to create jobs in the borough. This clearly demonstrates Signature’s commitment to the town for the future.”
Luton is one of Signature’s most important locations outside of North America. Signature Luton has its roots at the airfield from 1947 when it was known as McAlpine Aviation. Signature Flight Support purchased the company in 2000.
Completion of the new hangar is expected in the third quarter of 2013 and the new FBO and passenger terminal will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Signature Flight Support Corporation, a BBA Aviation plc company, is the world’s largest fixed-base operation (FBO) and distribution network for business aviation services. Signature services include fueling, hangar and office rentals, ground handling, maintenance and a wide range of crew and passenger amenities at strategic domestic and international locations. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Signature currently operates at more than 100 locations in the United States, Europe, South America, Africa and Asia. For more information, please visit: www.signatureflight.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/signatureflightsupport. Follow Signature Flight Support on Twitter: SignatureFBO.
BBA Aviation plc is a leading global aviation services and aftermarket support provider. BBA Aviation’s Flight Support businesses (Signature Flight Support and ASIG) provide specialist on-airport support services, including refuelling and ground handling, to the owners and operators of private, business, military and commercial aircraft. BBA Aviation’s Aftermarket Services businesses (Dallas Airmotive, Premier Turbines, H+S Aviation, International Turbine Service, W. H. Barrett Turbine Engine Company, International Governor Services, Ontic and APPH) are focused on the repair and overhaul of gas turbine engines and the manufacture and service of aerospace components, sub-systems and systems. BBA Aviation group companies operate from more than 200 individual locations on five continents. For more information, please visit www.bbaaviation.com.
