Oxford Airport set to break ground on R&D Science Park
Above:
Rendering of new science park at London Oxford Airport.
Courtesy London Oxford Airport
Demolition of the original buildings has already started, paving the way for the new 200,000 sq.ft. facility, which the airport hopes will appeal to next-gen aviation and technology businesses, along with other spin-outs and start-ups from the University community. Building work will complete in time to see the first companies move in during Q4, 2024. Units will be available to lease via commercial property company Savills.
In line with the airport’s desire to achieve sustainable growth, London Oxford Airport issued a fuel supplier RFP recently, while construction of a new fuel farm, which will eventually support five tanks and 425,000 litres of fuel, was completed in 2021. It has also confirmed plans to offer sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in 2024.
One of its new airport tenants is OXCCU, a spin out from the University of Oxford’s Chemistry Department. OXCUU is developing a drop-in synthetic aviation fuel, OXEFUELTM by taking atmospheric carbon dioxide and combining it with hydrogen. Using its bespoke and unique catalysts and reactors, OXCCU plans to turn H2 and CO2 into long chain hydrocarbons in one simple step.
Naomi Wise, OXCCU’s Interim Finance Director, speaking at the airport’s recent Disruptors’ Day, explained that others take carbon dioxide, turn it into synthetic gas, and then they make long chain hydrocarbons. “Doing it in one step we can recycle any of the unconverted gases back into the loop to improve our efficiency,” she said.
Airbus Helicopters to mark 50 years in the UK with new sustainable home
Meanwhile, work has started on Oxford Airport’s largest tenant, Airbus Helicopters’ new 125,000 sq. ft facility. Featuring provision for photovoltaic (PV) power, the site, which comprises 66,000sq ft. hangarage, 59,000 sq. ft. office space and workshops, along with seven helipads, is expected to be complete by summer 2024, coinciding with Airbus Helicopters’ 50-year anniversary in the UK.
Above:
Airbus Helicopters' new facility takes shape.
Courtesy London Oxford Airport
For several years, one corner of the airport has been earmarked by Oxford County Council, first as a ‘Park & Ride’ but more recently as an integrated ‘Transport Hub.‘
Subject to approvals and with a nominal budget of over £20 million, this could see the combination of a Rapid Transit bus system, EV charging at large scale, e-bike hire and other ground mobility solutions, all coming together in one place. The airport sees this as an opportunity to explore further integration of that ‘hub’ with the provision of future air mobility offerings, however they may evolve – Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) - fixed wing air transportation and Urban Air Mobility (UAM), typically utilising electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles.
