Business aviation and helicopters

Presentation

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is responsible for the management and optimisation of infrastructure for business aviation, which has to meet ever-increasing requirements in terms of plane size and demand. The business growth has been consolidated thanks to several key factors: quality of facilities, quality of service, best practices with regard to safety and security, and environmental protection. 
More than thirty groundhandling service providers, notably in aeronautical maintenance, airside operations, line maintenance, cleaning and aircraft services, loading of fuel and catering, operate at the airport.

Aviation Affaires Assistant

Groundhandlers

The number of groundhandlers (FBO) is limited to three service providers. Since 1 January 2014, they have operated under a seven-year licence (extended in 2020 until 31 December 2022) and have dedicated spaces within the Business Aviation Terminal, notably VIP lounges and offices:

Hélicoptères Aviation d'Affaires

Helicopters

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport sees substantial helicopter activity which is characterised notably by the regular Nice-Monaco services. 

Since November 2015, the airport has had a 201 m2 Helicopter Terminal, illustrating our development strategy for this aviation sector.  It has become necessary to adapt the infrastructure for connections with other flights, in order to reduce passengers’ journey times. 
In line with this, the creation of a new security control area on site has helped facilitate passenger transfers directly into the departure lounges. This Terminal offers comfort and optimal quality of service. It most notably has a 60 m2 VIP lounge equipped with WiFi. Finally, four offices have also been created.

Business Aviation Terminal

 

Terminal Aviation Affaires - Aéroport de Nice

 

The Business Aviation Terminal, covering an area of 1,510 m2, was inaugurated in March 2010.  It features its own customs control post in addition to two security control posts for outbound passengers.
With a view to constantly improving the passenger experience, the airport has continued to create new facilities at this Terminal, and to enhance its access security in particular. The aim is to create an enclosed, secure and confidential space. Two automatic gates, equipped with a videophone and digital licence plate recognition system, have been installed at the terminal entrance. Pedestrian access is also protected by a gate, a badge reader and remote monitoring.

The Business Aviation Terminal has also developed its commercial offer with a view to providing a unique and innovative shopping experience, notably with the opening of new high-end stores:

  • Hour Passion (37 m2) - luxury watch and jewellery store
  • Aelia Duty Free (35 m2) - spirits, fragrances and fine food products

Parking capacity

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport has continually increased its parking capacity, particularly for heavy aircraft, in accordance with a concern for respecting the environment. 
Over the past few years, the airport has notably invested and innovated in:

  • the load-bearing capacity of several parking areas
  • the implementation of new storage methods
  • the reconfiguration of a number of areas

Depending on the aircraft type, the airport has parking capacity for approximately 120 business planes.
The heliport has been entirely redeveloped in accordance with the new regulations concerning helipad dimensions. 
Fourteen helicopter stands and two final approach and take-off areas (FATO) are situated next to the Helicopter Terminal. 

Environment and sustainable development

  

Pop Out - Aviation Affaires

Within Aéroports de la Côte d'Azur, the same environmental policy applies to business aviation as to commercial aviation: 

  • Reduce noise disturbance and air pollution 
  • Help reduce the ecological footprint of our airports 
  • Support the necessary change in attitudes for real sustainable development 

With the attractiveness of the region set as a goal, Aéroports de la Côte d'Azur is acting to welcome business aviation that considers its own sustainable development objectives.

These general commitments are applied through:

  •  the implementation and monitoring of compliance with optimised paths
  • adjustments in charges for the noisiest aircraft
  • an order restricting usage that limits the time windows for noisy aircraft, limits the use of APUs (30 mins) and requires a complete shutdown of engines on arrival with towing up to the parking area, specifically for business aviation in the KILO parking area
  • specific communication (environmental briefing) disseminated to professionals 
  • environmental obligations concerning the activity of groundhandling agents

Système d'alimentation autonome en électricité et climatisation

Finally, on account of its location and direct impact on the local residents, infrastructure for independent air-conditioning and power supply systems (known as POP-UP) has been installed in the KILO area and its usage there is obligatory.
This infrastructure makes it possible to reduce APU usage and therefore lowers the amount of kerosene used by aircraft. This also reduces air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and noise for residents.

As a reminder, Aéroports de la Côte d'Azur is committed to Net Zero Carbon from 2030.

Group environmental policy