London Cranfield Airport joins Weston Aviation network in business aviation partnership
London Cranfield Airport has joined Weston Aviation’s “The Collection” network under a strategic partnership intended to support growth in business aviation activity and expand the airport’s market reach.
image: Western Aviation
The agreement brings London Cranfield Airport into Weston Aviation’s alliance programme, which was established to connect regional airports and fixed-base operators (FBOs) through shared promotion, business development and customer engagement activities. According to Weston Aviation, the model is designed to increase visibility for participating airports and broaden access to business aviation customers and operators.
The partnership reflects a broader trend across regional aviation in which airports are seeking new growth opportunities beyond traditional airline operations, with increased focus on specialist business aviation, aircraft services and commercial partnerships.
Situated in the heart of England with access to London, the Midlands and the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, Cranfield is positioned as an alternative to larger airports for corporate aviation, aircraft management companies and private owners. The Cranfield University owned airport has an 1800m runway and offers remote customs and immigration arrangements for international arrivals.
Nick Weston, chief executive officer of Weston Aviation, said, “Cranfield has a rich aviation heritage, excellent infrastructure and enormous commercial potential. By combining our business development expertise with Cranfield’s vision, we are creating a partnership focused on long-term, sustainable growth.”
Robert Abbott, airport director at London Cranfield Airport, said, “This partnership provides us with the commercial expertise, market reach and collaborative approach needed to accelerate that ambition. We look forward to working closely with Weston Aviation to strengthen our presence within the UK and European business aviation markets.”
Weston Aviation launched The Collection in 2023 as a collaborative initiative aimed at extending its network through partnerships rather than direct ownership or operation of facilities. The company said the approach allows independent airports and FBO operators to benefit from joint marketing and business development while maintaining local operations. Early participants included Cambridge City Airport and London Southend Airport.
Founded in 1995, Weston Aviation developed from a cargo logistics business into a wider aviation services provider and now operates business aviation centres and FBO facilities across the UK and Ireland, including locations at Manchester, Cornwall Newquay, Humberside, Gloucestershire and Cork airports. The company also provides charter, fuel and aviation support services.