Deal In the City, i.e. City of London? Metro Business Aviation's the Ticket

Work is well under way on a $2 million, two-year program to refurbish the only heliport serving the City of London, according to owner and operator Metro Business Aviation.

The UK-based FBO chain, owned by Mohamed Al Fayed of Harrods department store fame, bought the heliport from GKN-Westland at the end of last year and promptly renamed it Metro London Heliport. While serving all comers, it is the final link in Metro's London chain of FBOs that includes Heathrow, Stansted and Luton airports, with direct 10- to 20-minute flights by Sikorsky S-76 or EC 135 helicopters from all three to within a stone's throw of the financial district.

Redevelopment of the two-acre heliport includes replacing all fuel tanks, refurbishing the VIP terminal and enhancing the aircraft parking and maneuvering areas. The heliport remains open during the improvements, along with customs and immigration services and on-site fire and rescue teams.

"This is the only heliport in London, and it is ideally situated," said Metro Business Aviation sales and marketing director Alan George. It is located between Battersea Bridge and Wandsworth Bridge on the South Bank of the Thames.

The heliport racked up almost 12,000 movements last year, and it is perhaps ironic that Metro's investment won't generate many more-local by-laws set a cap of 13,000 in any one year. Nevertheless, the heliport scored heavily with politicians during the British general elections in June when Prime Minister Tony Blair and opposition leader William Hague launched almost daily helicopter campaigns from Battersea accompanied by several helicopters filled with press, aides and advisors.

"The heliport is really near the political center as well as the financial district," noted George. While demand from businessmen flying into Stansted, Heathrow or Luton has not been great, it is increasing due to mounting traffic problems on the M25 motorway which encircles London, he said.

-John Morris