London Oxford Airport appoints Chris Orphanou as Managing Director.

Monday 31st January, 2011

London Oxford Airport today announces the appointment of Chris Orphanou as Managing Director. Chris commences his new strategic role effective 7th February, reporting to the Board of Oxford Aviation Services Ltd.

Chris has over 35 years’ professional experience, including two decades in aviation, where he directed large-scale airport projects, specifically services and management, with an overriding focus on customer service, safety, quality, cost and environmental protection. Between 1988 and 1999 he worked as Assistant Airport Director for London City Airport, with a remit to develop the airport and formulate its 15-year transportation plan, identifying strategic developments needed and investments required. He also served as SVP Operations & Business Development for Paris-based Vinci Airports, responsible for the commercial development and advancement of route expansion strategies of the plc’s portfolio of 30-plus airports around the world. Until January 2009 Chris was CEO at Coventry Airport and most recently ran his own aviation and consultancy business, ADAM.
“London Oxford Airport is rightly perceived as one of the most progressive airports in the UK and I am delighted to be joining such a modern, vibrant and successful enterprise,” said Chris. “Oxford has already made its mark in business aviation and is now attracting interest for niche, shuttle-style regional commercial flights. The airport has supportive investors and mature development plans. I intend to build on the airport’s many successes, identify new opportunities on how we can make Oxford Airport even better and look forward to carrying on the good work with its terrific management team.”

Chris replaces Steve Jones who departed at the end of 2010 for a new role as General Manager at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi.

London Oxford Airport opened its doors to its award-winning Oxfordjet business aviation terminal in July 2008, which now handles an ever-increasing number of daily business aviation movements, especially from international visiting jets originating from as far afield as the Caribbean, Middle East and Africa. Business Jet aircraft movements in 2010 were 30% up on the previous year and ongoing investment has focused on more hew hangars, strengthened apron, enhanced fire and rescue capability - now at Cat 6 - and a data link ground station with ARINC.

London Oxford Airport provides rapid access to London, the Thames Valley, South East and the UK’s Central Business region. Just an hour by car from London’s West End, or 22-minutes by helicopter shuttle to The London Heliport, the airport also boasts UK Border pre-clearance and daily 0600-2230 operations, making it the most accessible business aviation hub for the nation’s capital city.

www.londonoxfordairport.com
www.oxfordjet.com
www.reubenbrothers.com