THE top boss of Oxford Airport is taking off for a new job in the Middle East. Steve Jones, who has been managing director at the Kidlington site for the past ten years, will take up a new position as general manager of Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi in November.

Mr Jones, who has 36 years’ experience in the industry, said: “It is going to be hard to say goodbye, but this terrific opportunity presented itself. Taking over the day-to-day management and development of Al Bateen Airport is one of the most exciting and attractive projects in the industry.

“There are some interesting parallels and synergies with the work I do at Oxford and this is a golden opportunity to contribute to the creation of a world-class dedicated business and VIP aviation centre.”

He added: “London Oxford Airport has a brilliant and experienced team, supportive investors, mature development plans and a momentum that will carry the business forward. I also hope we can pursue some unique marketing initiatives between the two airports.”

During his time at Oxford, Mr Jones has overseen the takeover of the facility by the Reuben Brothers in 2007, the creation of the Oxfordjet facility and its growth to become home to five engineering firms and seven charter companies.

Mr Jones started his aviation career with British Aerospace in 1974 as an apprentice with Hawker Siddeley and rose through the ranks to become a director Then, after four years working in a senior operational role with BAe’s military division, he joined Signature/CSE Aviation at Oxford as managing director before taking over thehot seat.

Meanwhile, the latest development at the Airport is taking shape in the form of a new hangar which is scheduled for completion by December.

The £3m facility, owned and operated by the Airport, covers 47,787 sq ft. It is being built in response to growing demand from operators using the site, according to business development director James Dillon-Godfray.

Mr Dillon-Godfray added: “About 50 per cent of the space has already been allocated for aircraft operators and maintenance companies wanting more space.

“It is a case of meeting demand in the business aviation sector, an area in which we have been successful.”

Mr Dillon-Godfray estimated about 20 jobs will have been created at the new facility, known as Hangar 14, once it is fully operational.

The airport has also created a further 4.4 acres of apron space at a cost of £2m, while a further £500,000 has been invested in a new, state of-the-art fire tender from Spanish company Iturri, which is due to arrive early next year.