Most people know Exeter Airport for its scheduled passenger services and holiday flights, which makes sense since it’s located just outside Devon county and a top choice airport for many locals. But there’s another side to the airport that you may not know about, with general and corporate aviation also forming part of its business.
Exeter Airport Has More Than Scheduled Flights
Tucked away from the main passenger terminal, private aircraft can use dedicated handling arrangements, with passengers and crew able to access the airport's Jet Centre and other facilities. Corporate aviation has been part of the airport's operation for over ten years, while general aviation and private flying has actually been in operation since the airport opened in May 1937.
So who uses these facilities? Well, mostly business travellers, private groups, and VIP passengers could be using a private jet to visit Devon. Groups may choose to use Exeter's corporate aviation services if their travel is poorly served by typical commercial routes.
The airport has previously identified business travellers, musicians and royalty among its corporate aviation customers, while its facilities provide services including passenger handling, flight planning support, weather information and a dedicated lounge.
Business Travel Drives Much of the Demand
Business aviation exists partly because commercial flight schedules do not always fit the way companies operate. A local business traveller may need to visit several locations within a short period, making a fixed scheduled service difficult to fit around the rest of the itinerary.
For someone travelling between several meetings, a private jet can offer greater control over departure times and the overall journey. Exeter's position in the South West adds to its usefulness for companies with regional connections. The airport has road links towards Exeter, Torbay and East Devon, while the M5 provides access towards Somerset and the Midlands.
Why Devon Appeals to Private Aviation Passengers
Devon's tourism economy gives Exeter another reason to maintain a corporate aviation operation. Our county attracts visitors for its coastline, countryside, historic towns and sporting activities, with destinations spread across a large geographical area.
Some visitors arrive for a particular event or activity rather than a conventional holiday. Country sports, sailing and golf can all involve travelling beyond the main tourist centres. For those passengers, Exeter can provide a practical gateway into Devon and the wider South West.
The airport's location also puts parts of Cornwall and Dorset within reach, making it useful for journeys that extend beyond Devon itself.
The Practical Side of Corporate Aviation
The private aviation operation at Exeter involves much more than providing somewhere for passengers to wait before boarding. Ground handling includes passenger processing, aircraft handling, flight planning and coordination with crews.
The airport's Jet Centre provides a dedicated space for corporate aviation passengers and crews. Facilities include a lounge and meeting space, while flight crews can access operational information such as weather data and flight planning support.
These details rarely feature in the public perception of an airport, but they are an important part of how corporate aviation operates.
What Happens Before and After a Flight
A private aircraft still has to meet the same fundamental operational requirements as any other aircraft. Weather conditions, air traffic control, aircraft performance and airport procedures can all affect a flight.
The difference is how the passenger journey is organised around those requirements. Corporate aviation can use dedicated handling arrangements rather than following the same process as a large scheduled passenger service.
That can be useful when a traveller is arriving for a short business visit or leaving Devon after a private event. Airport staff still need to coordinate the aircraft, passengers and crew, but the operation is built around a much smaller number of people.
Exeter’s Role in South West Aviation
Exeter Airport plays several roles within the region. Scheduled passenger services remain an important part of its operation, while general and corporate aviation add another layer to its activity.
That mix reflects Exeter's position in the South West. The airport serves local passengers travelling elsewhere while also providing an entry point for people arriving in the region by private aircraft.
For Devon, having both forms of aviation available gives businesses and visitors more options when planning travel. Corporate aviation may not be the part of the airport most residents see, but it remains an established part of its operation.
Final Thoughts
The private aviation facilities at Exeter Airport serve a varied group of passengers. Business travellers may use them to fit international or domestic journeys around demanding schedules, while private groups, entertainers and other VIP passengers can use the airport when conventional travel does not suit their plans.
Corporate aviation is only one part of Exeter Airport's wider role. Its location, road connections and established facilities make it useful for passengers arriving in Devon as well as those travelling from the region.
For visitors looking beyond the main terminal, the airport shows how a regional airport can support more than scheduled holiday and business flights. Exeter's private aviation operation has quietly formed part of the South West's transport network for years.