Marshall airport plans to develop European business into a global operation.

Horse transport business rides high as Marshall targets London Olympics

The UK’s Marshall airport aims to build on growing European horse transport business by becoming a key hub for the 2012 Olympics. The Cambridge airport reports rising business from using a B737 configured for the Newmarket and broader UK equine businesses to move horses and cargo. It expects movements to increase to more than 100 a month in 2010 as it wins increasing business from the bloodstock and racing communities.

Operated by Atlantic Airways, the B737 transports horses around Europe and into the Middle East under the supervision of Janah Management Company. Some 80 foals were moved between Cambridge and Dublin from the end of October to the beginning of November 2009 and numbers have been increasing steadily in 2010.

John Watkins, director airport operations and development, says: “Our horse transport operations are currently focused on the EU but Marshall has its eye on the 2012 Olympics and equine transport is one area that we will develop. We intend to ensure that we can fulfill the criteria for the global movement of horses in good time for the run up to 2012.”

He says both Marshall Business Aviation and Marshall airport have enjoyed great success during 2009. “September 2009 was the best month for financials and aircraft movements at the airport in six years. Compared to September 2008 there were five times as many horse transport flights; four times the number of major operator training flights; twice as many visiting GA aircraft and double charter flights led by an increase on football team charters; with an overall monthly total of movements of 4,591.” This, Watkins says, was up 12 per cent on September last year. “We are in the process of finalising the business plan and launching a European division. Equine transport is an important part of that plan.”