Starting this week, London-area gateway Biggin Hill Airport has extended its operating hours by two hours on weekdays from 6:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. (local time), and by three hours on weekends and public holidays, from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. According to the airport’s operators, London Biggin Hill has seen unprecedented growth over the past year, attributable mainly to activity in the ultra-long-range business jet segment. “Our investment in introducing extended operating hours further enhances our reputation for affording our customers unrivalled flexibility and capacity,” said Robert Walters, the airport’s business development director. “Our close proximity to the city center, combined with our new hours, enables our North American and Middle East clients, in particular, to have a productive day trip to London.”

The extended hours at the general aviation-only facility will add to its benefits, which include low operating costs, no slot restrictions and a six-minute transfer to the heart of the capital by helicopter shuttle service.

The airport recently secured a £15 million ($18.776 million) financing package to fund a major infrastructure-improvement program, and is preparing for a new 60,000-sq-ft hangar capable of storing up to six ultra-long-range business jets; a three-story office complex of 10,000 sq ft; and an additional 1.6 acres of ramp space. Construction of an on-site four-star, 50-bed hotel has also begun.