Regional Gateway
15 May 2026
Robert Walters, Commercial Director, London Biggin Hill Airport speaks with Regional Gateway about business aviation airports and how they are now becoming full aviation ecosystems.
Business aviation airports have traditionally been defined by runway access. Why is this changing?
Runway access remains fundamental, but it no longer fully captures how airports are being used today.
Aircraft are flying more frequently and schedules are tighter, which places greater emphasis on utilisation, turnaround time and operational predictability. In this context, ground performance at airports becomes just as critical as airside access.
Expectations around reliability have also increased. Operators are being judged on how consistently aircraft are available and can operate as planned. This brings maintenance capability and parts availability into much sharper focus.
The way airports are perceived is changing as a result. They’re not just points of arrival and departure, but environments that need to actively support the day-to-day running of aircraft...
