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London Oxford Airport has gained DEFRA approval as only the second General Aviation/Business Aviation Airport in the UK to be approved for the importation of domestic pets. Owners of dogs, cats and ferrets can now, for the first time, transport their pets on flights into the Airport from overseas under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS).
With a dedicated team trained to process the paperwork and to meet and greet pets and their owners/handlers on arrival to undertake necessary pre-disembarkation checks, London Oxford Airport now represents a hassle-free option for anyone wishing to travel with their furry friends. Flights with pets onboard can also be cleared through Oxford for onwards travel elsewhere into the UK. Following the announcement of this new capability, several aircraft operators, including helicopter charter companies, have already filed for route approvals to Oxford with the Animal Health Office.
The first fully approved carriers are Netjets and Air Med. The Airport now anticipates a significant number of flights for London and Thames Valley-destined passengers but also those en-route to elsewhere in the UK for initial pet clearance at the airport. The airport team will check the pet’s passport, travel credentials and micro-chip with the owner or the pet’s escort in the cabin and once the paperwork has been cleared and stamped as required, the pet is free to disembark.
After instigating several other operational enhancements, such as increased opening times and higher fire and rescue capabilities for larger aircraft (up to Cat 6 RFFS) this unique additional advantage gives Oxford another edge over alternatives within the south east of the UK. Oxford continues to offer a quieter, lower cost and hassle free port for London-destined passengers within an hour of the capital, but outside of the congested London Terminal Movement Area (TMA).
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
