Renovation is in under way at London's Elstree aerodrome on a helicopter FBO, 12,000 sq ft hangar site and training and charter facilities for VVB Aviation. The aerodrome is under new management and offers a 10-minute flight time to London Heliport and easy access to the M1 and M25.

VVB Aviation carried out more than 2,000 flight hours during 2012, making a move from its London Southend airport base a necessity.

Work on the project was a little delayed with the snow in January, however, managing pilot Ian Lunt reports that things are getting back on track. "We are all keen to push the project forward as quickly as possible and, as the aviation company is a sister company of a large UK construction/infrastructure organi-sation, we have the men, skills and tools available to develop the site by ourselves, negating the need for expensive third-party work, so we hope to be able to offer an excellent yet cost-effective operation for the start of the summer season."

Lunt adds: "We are keen to hear from any helicopter owners who consider our Elstree operation a viable option to other aerodrome sites around the M25, and we are actively seeking initial enquiries for helicopter hangarage, as we believe our price structure will better any that is currently on offer around the London area."

With refurbishment due for completion soon, VVB has already been actively marketing the site and developing initial enquiries from a wide scope of operations including Sikorsky 76 and AW139 operators.

The company offers flight training, hangarage, private and corporate charter and daily parking.