Spain's largest business aircraft charter and management company, Gestair, is calling on the government to provide a dedicated business airport in Madrid for Spanish operators and cites Getafe air force base near the capital as a suitable venue, writes Kate Sarsfield.
The move comes as business aircraft operators face an uncertain future at Madrid's international airport, Barajas, and secondary airport, Torrejon.
Gestair, Europe's third largest charter company by passengers carried, says it was squeezed out of state-owned Barajas about six years ago because of increased demand for slots from the more lucrative airlines. Operations have since been based at nearby Torrejon, where Gestair says the ramp space is limited and the airport is subjected to a military curfew. "We can still get off-peak slots at Barajas [which has recently been expanded and renovated], but our situation is far from ideal," says Gestair.
Source: Flight International