We advised Farnborough Airport Limited (FAB) on the development of a new premium terminal facility and associated landside and airside infrastructure for Flexjet Operations Limited (Flexjet) at the Airport. The project, with a development value of approximately £15 million and anticipated rental value of around £50 million, forms part of Farnborough Airport’s ongoing strategy to support business aviation growth while maintaining secure and efficient airport operations.
Our advice focused on structuring and implementing a complex development arrangement within a live and heavily regulated airport environment, where construction activity needed to be carefully managed alongside the ongoing operation of the airport. The project was governed by a highly bespoke agreement for lease, conditional upon planning and construction and regulating the development obligations of both parties within the Airport. The agreement was designed to ensure that FAB retained appropriate oversight and control of works impacting airside areas, including the ability to regulate access by contractors, supervise compliance with security procedures and suspend works where necessary to protect operational safety, whilst also ensure delivery of the project within a tight timescale. The agreement involved a new lease to FlexJet upon practical completion of FAB's works, which balanced the interests of both parties whilst securing a long term income stream for the Airport.
Flexjet’s decision to develop a bespoke private terminal at the Airport represents a significant milestone in the evolution of European business aviation and the Airport’s continued investment in world‑class infrastructure. Scheduled to open in Summer 2026, the 2,100 sq m ramp‑side terminal will be Flexjet’s first dedicated private terminal in Europe and the largest infrastructure investment it has made outside the US. Operated entirely by Flexjet staff and located within a separate secure area of the Airport, the facility will offer its aircraft owners a seamless, highly personalised ground‑to‑air experience, mirroring the service and hospitality standards delivered onboard. The development reinforces the Airport’s position as Europe’s leading hub for premium private aviation, benefiting from its exclusive focus on non‑scheduled traffic, high levels of privacy and direct access to London. In addition to luxury passenger lounges and meeting spaces, the terminal will house Flexjet’s European operational and training facilities, supporting the company’s continued fleet expansion and long‑term growth strategy on the continent. The project also incorporates strong sustainability credentials, including solar power generation and other environmental efficiencies, and demonstrates the airport’s ability to attract major international investment while enhancing service quality and resilience for the business aviation sector.
The matter was led by Sam Folley, Partner, supported by Daniel Frawley and Kathryn Noble, bringing together experience across airport operations, infrastructure projects, real estate and construction within regulated environments.
