Set on the edge of London but still firmly rooted in the rich aviation history of Kent, the London Biggin Hill Airport holds a unique position in Britain’s ever-evolving luxury travel landscape. Though Biggin Hill has been associated with high-end business aviation and discreet, ultra-luxurious private jet services, the airport could step up its game even more as the demand for private travel continues to increase.

The How

Biggin Hill has understood the needs and desires of the luxury traveller for many, many years, but it’s recently, in the wake of the pandemic, as the demand for private air travel has grown more vociferous, that the airport has risen to become a top contender for an enormous share of Europe’s luxury travel market. Across the south east in particular, Biggin Hill has redefined itself and its role as more than just a private aviation specialist: it is now on its way to being known as Kent’s premier gateway to Europe’s most opulent destinations. This portal connects some of the most affluent leisure seekers in the world to elite destinations like the Riviera, Mediterranean, and Alps with a level of efficiency that few airports can manage…but can it compete in the long term?

A combination of premium services and amenities, a smoothly integrated ground transport network, expertly curated lifestyle experience packages, and a strong focus on sustainability, Biggin Hill could be making the leap from just another private airfield to one of Kent’s luxury travel anchors and a strategic port of call for every European luxury traveller.

The Details

1. Expansion of Dedicated Luxury Travel Routes

Any luxury gateway is only as good as the places it can take travellers to. In this case, luxury travellers who choose private jet travel to the most glamorous destinations in the world. How can Biggin Hill make itself more appealing to this kind of traveller? They can make moves to partner with major charter operators to increase their year-round traffic to some of Europe’s key destinations like Geneva, Ibiza, Nice and Monaco. Fractional ownership schemes are also an excellent jumping-off point, as well as jet card programs. These could be tailored to the Kent market to make them more appealing in the immediate area.  A shift to include scheduled charter service could welcome a wider section of the market too.

1. Integration of Ground Connectivity

Luxury travellers crave a seamless experience. From the trip to the airport to the flight, from the flight to your accommodation and then doing it all again in reverse, each step should feel like a moment in one fluid experience. What may be missing from Bigggin Hill’s offering is the other piece in the travel puzzle: helicopter charters, chauffeur services, luxury and high-speed train services and concierge services that assist travellers in adding value to their experience. Considering that an integrated booking platform and luxury partners will give them preference as a “one-stop shop” in the luxury travel sphere.

1. Creation of a luxury Ecosystem

The same applies here as it does to an integrated transport: crafting an experience that’s more than just a stop on a trip but an integral, enticing aspect of it. Inviting upscale hotels and even resorts into vacant spaces in and around the airport complex itself: the perfect spaces to stay in state as transitioning travellers. Luxury retail and dining spaces will help to add both a little variety and a little eclat to the airport experience, but also bring value to airport shareholders and the local economy: a win on every front.

1. Embrace Sustainability and Innovation

Sustainability is more than just a buzzword: it’s a destination. In the aviation industry, particularly private aviation, there are a lot of ways for smart and savvy operators and affiliates to minimise the impact of their businesses on the environment.  Considering the electrical vehicle takeoff and landing procedures will ensure Biggin Hill’s place as a sustainability frontrunner. Adopting green infrastructure initiatives, such as partnering with sustainable tech companies, appeals to a new kind of eco-conscious luxury traveller who wishes to indulge but not at the cost of our environment.

1. Reposition Branding

As with any business that is attempting to reposition itself in the market, branding must be considered. A rebrand draws fresh eyes just by virtue of being new concepts, but if executed correctly, it can open up an entirely new market and, in the age of social media, can explode across the internet with incredible efficacy. Campaigns that target different age groups on different platforms (think Gen Z on TikTok, Millennials on Instagram, and Gen X across a combination of Instagram and Facebook) and work with influencers, campaigns that highlight the luxury amenities and accommodation that will (hopefully soon) be available, and campaigns that highlight the new luxury destinations that are accessible from the airport will have a hand in increasing the overall traffic.

Big Things for Biggin Hill

The future could be bright for Biggin Hill. The time is right for a move and to shake things up in preparation for a new era at what could be one of the most impressive private airports in the UK.