Flexjet continues European expansion with new private terminal at Farnborough Airport

Flexjet is to launch a new private terminal at Farnborough Airport - the first such facility offered by a fractional operator in Europe - and forming part of Flexjet’s biggest infrastructure project to date outside the US.

Scheduled to open in early 2026, the new facility is separate to Farnborough Airport’s existing main terminal and will be dedicated to Flexjet passengers and staffed with Flexjet team members. It will provide a seamless ground-to-air experience for the company’s passengers as they move through the Airport and is designed to replicate the personalised service and hospitality provided onboard a Flexjet aircraft.

The move represents the company’s biggest infrastructure development to date outside of the United States and follows the opening of a new, larger Flexjet House in London’s Mayfair earlier this year - a Sales & Experience Centre with exclusive hospitality space for Flexjet aircraft Owners to enjoy.

Flexjet, which employs over 4000 staff worldwide, offers private terminals in the United States at key airport locations including Teterboro in New Jersey and Van Nuys in California, and with several new openings will be present at a total of 10 US airport locations by the end of 2025. The Farnborough location will be the company’s first in Europe and indeed the first private terminal facility offered by any fractional ownership company outside of North America.

The terminal will be located in a brand-new 2,098m2 ramp-side building at the Airport, construction of which began earlier this month. The structure will also house Flexjet’s state-of-the-art Tactical Control Centre and operations teams, modern workspaces, pilot amenities, and an extended, global Red Label Training Academy facility for cabin servers - replacing Flexjet’s current offices within the Airport site.

“This is an exciting milestone moment for Flexjet as construction begins on this development, and a first for fractional ownership in Europe”, said Kenn Ricci, Chairman of Flexjet. “We look forward to opening this truly exceptional space for our aircraft Owners and their guests, which will combine stunning, contemporary design, with warm hospitality and a welcoming environment that they can call home each time they fly with us to and from Farnborough Airport - our premier airport hub in Europe.

“This development places Flexjet at the forefront of European private aviation, demonstrating the scope and scale of our international ambition and follows the exponential growth we have already achieved since we launched in Europe in 2019.”

With the interior designed by Carver Hain Art & Design, blueprints have been carefully drawn up ensuring both Flexjet Owners’ and employees’ requirements are fulfilled, with modern luxury at the forefront of the design process.

Features of the Flexjet private terminal will include:

• A spacious entrance lounge and concierge desk, with separate arrival and departure lounges, dedicated to Flexjet passengers.

• A striking Owners’ bar with meeting spaces, an elegant dining area, and a central formal bar, all set against a fully glazed rear elevation with breathtaking views of the airfield.

• Exclusive art and interior pieces throughout, including a light sculpture by contemporary Canadian-British installation artist David Spriggs.

• Unique mock fuselage lounge and luxurious washrooms.

The building’s exterior will feature double-glazed curtain walling, solid metal insulated panels and a curved design, to complement existing structures on the Farnborough Airport site. Environmental considerations include the installation of 138 solar panels which are forecast to generate approximately 37,848 kWh/annum, offsetting approximately 4,773 kg/CO2 per annum. Rainwater will be collected via Syphonic Drainage to then be re-used internally, while the installation of four electric vehicle (EV) chargers also promotes the use of clean energy.

Simon Geere, CEO of Farnborough Airport added “We are delighted to welcome Flexjet’s new private terminal to Farnborough Airport, a project that reflects our ongoing commitment to providing world-class facilities and infrastructure.

"The new facility will not only complement our existing award-winning facilities, but it will also complement the travel experience for Flexjet passengers, whilst reinforcing Farnborough Airport as the UK’s largest and most important business aviation gateway. We look forward to supporting this exciting new chapter in Flexjet’s European expansion.”

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 26th September 2024 | Issue #765