Oxford Graduates

In the late 1990s and the early 21st century, Oxford Airport was the fourth busiest in the United Kingdom, with 160,000 movements a year at its peak. However, after the end of pilot training (much of which moved to the United States), there was a massive decrease in movements, and 2007 saw only 50,000.

According to James Dillon-Godfray, Head of Marketing and Development at Oxford airport, “the airport fundamentally changed in character and direction as a result of the huge decline in activity.”

As a result, the airfield started looking around for survival options, and during this period it was bought for £40 million by the Reuben Brothers. The decision was made to invest heavily and to enlarge the airport to executive jet standards...