Growing demand from business aviation customers has inspired Sheremetyevo International Airport to embark on a number of related infrastructure development projects. For one, a new apron for business aviation aircraft has recently been completed by A-Group, the owner and operator of business aviation facilities at Moscow’s largest airport – in time for the start of the FIFA World Cup in Russia, Russian Aviation Insider informed.
The new apron, which became operational on June 13 having won last-minute approval from Russian aviation regulator Rosaviatsiya, consists of an area of 72,000 square meters that provides space for parking and servicing of up to 25 business aviation aircraft, including helicopters.
Its placement is conveniently adjacent to the airport’s existing dedicated business aviation Terminal A and hangar for business jet maintenance and storage, a location which creates the benefit of reduced ground handling and taxiing times.
The new apron was introduced to satisfy a general increase in demand for business and private charters, but came in handy during the World Cup, having already enjoyed success during the first two weeks of the tournament, A-group tells Russian Aviation Insider. “We have experienced high demand for parking stands on this apron during the championship – anywhere from eight to 12 new stands have been taken daily. However, we have also scheduled negotiations of long-term contracts with owners and operators for after the championship,” the company says, adding that it expects the new facility will spur further growth this year of business aviation traffic through Sheremetyevo on both domestic and international routes.
A-Group first announced the start of the project in September 2017 and the company says Sheremetyevo is now facing a steady growth of interest from the business aviation segment, which translates into increases in aircraft movement numbers and the volume of passengers served. Helipads and helicopter stands have been in equally high demands, the company adds.
A-Group also owns one of the business aviation terminals at St Petersburg’s Pulkovo airport.
