TAG Farnborough Airport, the UK's only dedicated business aviation airport, has invested an additional £1 million ($1.45 million) to create more space for passengers and crew at its terminal building in order to meet growing demand.

In 2015, air traffic movement (ATM) growth was 2 per cent.  This includes a 6 per cent increase in the number of airliner-derived (50-80 tons maximum take-off weight) business jets, which represents the highest number in this category for any year.  Many of these aircraft operate to and from the U.S., Middle East and Asia with some carrying larger groups of passengers.

A new lounge on the first floor of the terminal building accommodates up to 80 passengers. This facility was designed to create a homely atmosphere using oak wood furniture and velvet material cushions in contrast to the modern, colourful interior design on the ground floor. Customers can enjoy unique views of the airfield from a gallery seating area. Other distinctive features include a TopBrewer coffee machine which can be operated via an iPad provided, as well as a fuselage clock, coffee table and exhaust lamp custom made from vintage aircraft parts.

Sophie Lesnoff, TAG Farnborough Airport's Head of Customer Services and Terminal Operations designed the new facilities.

“At TAG Farnborough Airport, we focus on delivering bespoke services for the business aviation market and continue to invest in our facilities to further improve the airport experience for passengers and crew,” Lesnoff says. “With an emerging demand for higher-volume business aviation flights, the new passenger lounge enables us to accommodate larger groups of passengers and corporate events, whilst continuing to offer privacy and comfort to individuals or small groups.”

The airport has also introduced additional crew facilities such as a quiet lounge and 'snooze' room equipped with flat beds and a zero-gravity ergonomic chair, as well as a complimentary gymnasium and shower facilities in a separate building adjacent to the main terminal.

“In response to feedback we have received from crew using our airport, we have built additional crew rest facilities as well as a gymnasium allowing them to work on their fitness while at the airport,” Lesnoff added.

The airport offers a wide range of amenities including a fast-track customer entrance to the airport, direct ramp access for passengers wanting to drive up to waiting jets, concierge service, conference rooms and Aviator luxury hotel conveniently located on site.

TAG Farnborough Airport is Europe's leading business aviation airport and a key gateway to London. The airport is biennial host to the world's leading airshow, the Farnborough International Airshow. Farnborough is the birthplace of British aviation and home of the country's first powered flight in 1908.