Unifi expands UK Operations with Ground Handling and Security Contracts at London Oxford Airport

Thursday 17th April 2025

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Unifi has secured its first business aviation ground handling contract and its third Fixed Base Operation/FBO security contract in the United Kingdom, marking a major expansion of its services and a new milestone in its global growth. Effective April 15, Unifi takes over ramp handling operations and fuelling services at London Oxford Airport, which is ranked fifth in the UK for business aviation movements.

In addition, effective May 1, Unifi will become the first-ever external company to manage ramp operations at the airport alongside whole airport security, providing 24/7/365 support, including ID center management, access control, visitor and delivery coordination and NASP passenger screening through the airport’s FBO. The airport, owned by the Reuben Brothers, is experiencing strong growth on its on-demand flight operations as it invests in the future, including a £48 million newly commenced construction of its AerOx Science and R&D Park and another 70,000 sq.ft. hangar, No.16.

Unifi UK’s strong local presence and established, trusted relationship with the airport, were key factors in winning the contracts. Up & Away, the aircraft services and executive jet detailing company Unifi purchased in summer 2023, has been providing detailing services at the airport since 2008.

 

“We are excited to expand our partnership with London Oxford Airport through ground handling and security operations,” said  Stefan Murphy, Managing Director Unifi UK and Ireland.  “Our team is proud to support the airport’s growth with industry-leading services, in what is a significant step for Unifi as we continue expanding our footprint in the UK.”

To support the ramp and security contract, Unifi will onboard 35 staff for ramp handling and security operations, ensuring seamless service and continuity. Ramp operations will duly be branded ‘London Oxford Airport powered by Unifi.’ The company will also continue providing aircraft detailing services through Up & Away.

“We are pleased to welcome Unifi as our first ever outsourced ground handling partner since launching executive aviation activity (under new ownership) with NASP security compliance (passenger and baggage security screening) in 2008. The move builds on the close working relationship we have enjoyed with Up & Away for 17 years,” said  Kris Black, Airport Operations Director at London Oxford Airport.  “Their expertise, professionalism and deep understanding of aviation operations is renowned, and we look forward to working together to enhance the overall experience for our customers.”

This expansion underscores Unifi’s continued global growth and its ability to deliver high-quality aviation services across both commercial and private sectors.

 

 

Marshalling a Jetfly PC-12 at

London Oxford Airport

 

  

L-R: Stefan Murphy and Kris Black

at the launch event at London Oxford Airport

 

(Photo Credit: Studio 8 for Unifi Aviation UK)

About Unifi Aviation UK

Unifi Aviation UK is a subsidiary of Unifi Aviation LLC, the largest aviation services company in North America, which services more than two million flights annually.  

 

Unifi Aviation LLC acquired Up & Away Aviation in July 2023, solidifying Unifi's presence in Europe. Headquartered at London Oxford Airport since 2008, Unifi UK is an expanding aviation services company with 1,000-plus employees.   Its expertise covers ground handling and security at business aviation airports; cabin cleaning, de-icing, technical cleaning and executive jet detailing.

 

The business has grown exponentially under the leadership of CEO Stefan Murphy.   Originally focused on executive jet clientele, the business expanded into working with prolific airline customers in 2019 when a leading airline asked the company to pitch for its airline cleaning business.  

 

Today, Unifi Aviation UK spans 20 airports in the UK and Ireland including London Heathrow, London Stansted, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Bristol, Belfast International, Shannon, Dublin and Cork.  It is also active at UK business aviation airports - London Biggin Hill, Farnborough, Luton and London Oxford, supporting a variety of business jets.  

 

Unifi Aviation, LLC®️ has stations in over 220 airports and provides a full range of services, including ground handling, passenger transport, security, cabin services, ground support equipment maintenance, and much more. Unifi is a part of the Argenbright Group and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. 

 

www.unifiservice.com

 

London   Oxford   Airport   

London Oxford Airport is wholly owned by the Reuben Brothers, whose investment portfolio spans private equity, real estate, and businesses including shopping centres, data centres, racecourses, pubs, hotels, technology, and media. In 2012, they also acquired the London Heliport in Battersea—the UK’s only CAA-licensed heliport—just 22 minutes by helicopter from Oxford. Over the past decade, London Oxford Airport has been one of the UK’s fastest-growing hubs for private business aviation.