Unifi secures Oxford Airport ground handling and security contracts

Unifi has secured its first business aviation ground handling contract and its third Fixed Base Operation/FBO security contract in the UK at London Oxford Airport, marking a major expansion of its services and a new milestone in its global growth.



Image courtesy PRNewsfoto / Unifi

Unifi will take over ramp handling operations and fuelling services at London Oxford Airport, which is ranked fifth in the UK for business aviation movements.

Stefan Murphy (above), Managing Director for Unifi UK & Ireland, is driving the company’s continued growth across Europe, including Unifi’s newest ground handling and security contracts at London Oxford Airport.

In addition, effective 1st May, 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 centre 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. 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."

Related

CAA puts AI reliability and human oversight in focus as aerospace adoption grows
Artificial Intelligence
CAA puts AI reliability and human oversight in focus as aerospace adoption grows
The Civil Aviation Authority has reviewed more than 200 aerospace AI use cases, from maintenance and security screening to engineering and air traffic support.
Aerospace

11 Nov 2026

More women take the controls as UK pilot licence numbers rise
Woman pilot sitting in airplane cockpit, wearing headset.
More women take the controls as UK pilot licence numbers rise
The latest statistics show encouraging progress being made in female representation across both commercial and general aviation sectors.
Aerospace

11 Nov 2026

Satellite connectivity could unlock UK drone operations at scale
Viasat 3 is designed to take drone control to the next level
Satellite connectivity could unlock UK drone operations at scale
Satellite communications could become a critical part of the infrastructure needed to move UK drones from tightly controlled trials to routine beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations.
Aerospace Defence Magazine

11 Nov 2026

UK defence tech investment heads towards £1bn after tripling in 2026
State of UK Deep Tech 2026 report
UK defence tech investment heads towards £1bn after tripling in 2026
Venture capital investment in UK defence tech has nearly tripled to £720 million in 2026 and is projected to approach £1 billion by year-end, led by surges in AI and autonomous systems, according to a new Royal Academy of Engineering report.
Defence

11 Nov 2026

Royal Navy moves to deter Russian undersea threats with new ‘Atlantic Net’ investment
Image via Royal Navy
Royal Navy moves to deter Russian undersea threats with new ‘Atlantic Net’ investment
A £90m investment in autonomous maritime technology will bolster the Royal Navy’s surveillance capabilities while deterring Russian submarines and safeguarding critical seabed infrastructure in the North Atlantic.
Defence Security

11 Nov 2026

Satellite connectivity could unlock UK drone operations at scale
Viasat 3 is designed to take drone control to the next level
Satellite connectivity could unlock UK drone operations at scale
Satellite communications could become a critical part of the infrastructure needed to move UK drones from tightly controlled trials to routine beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations.
Aerospace Defence Magazine

11 Nov 2026

UK military satellite Titania reaches orbit as MoD trials space-threat sensors
Titania Satellite
UK military satellite Titania reaches orbit as MoD trials space-threat sensors
The UK's second ISTARI military satellite, Titania, reaches orbit as trials launch for a three-site sensor network to monitor potential threats to spacecraft.
Defence Space

9 Nov 2026

Leicester’s National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
Leicester’s National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
Following delivery of its education and outreach initiatives across the UK to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and space explorers, the National Space Centre's Discovery Team has gained national recognition by winning a prestigious Sir Arthur Clarke Award.
Member News Space

5 Nov 2026

Astroscale and OHB to collaborate on space security
Astroscale and OHB sign MoU
Astroscale and OHB to collaborate on space security
Following ratification of the Kensington Treaty in October, Astroscale and OHB have signed an MoU to enhance cooperation between the UK, Germany and Japan towards protecting critical infrastructure in space, whilst supporting the safe, sustainable and responsible use of the orbital environment.
Royal Navy moves to deter Russian undersea threats with new ‘Atlantic Net’ investment
Image via Royal Navy
Royal Navy moves to deter Russian undersea threats with new ‘Atlantic Net’ investment
A £90m investment in autonomous maritime technology will bolster the Royal Navy’s surveillance capabilities while deterring Russian submarines and safeguarding critical seabed infrastructure in the North Atlantic.
Defence Security

11 Nov 2026

USAF relocates KC-135s and CV-22Bs from Mildenhall amid reported Iran threat
A KC-135R Stratotanker from the USAF's 100th ARW takes off from RAF Mildenhall for a mission on 21 August 2025. Image: USAF/Staff Sgt Kevin Long
USAF relocates KC-135s and CV-22Bs from Mildenhall amid reported Iran threat
The USAF has relocated 12 aircraft from RAF Mildenhall amid heightened security measures and growing concerns over new Iranian threats.
Aerospace Defence Security

10 Nov 2026

Inside the BBC’s ‘Black Sky’ plan to keep the UK informed during a major blackout
close up of hand holding a radio in an emergency situation with a lamp and water bottle
Inside the BBC’s ‘Black Sky’ plan to keep the UK informed during a major blackout
According to a BBC report, around100 staff would operate a specially prepared emergency radio studio.
Security

10 Nov 2026