GLOUCESTERSHIRE Airport at Staverton has been voted the UK's best general aviation airport for the second year in succession.

Operations director Darren Lewington collected the award during the Airport Operators Association annual conference at London's Metropole hotel. The award is voted for by members of AOPA, the aircraft owners and operators association. Gloucestershire Airport fought off stiff competition from the London business airports such as Farnborough and Biggin Hill.

Mr Lewington said: "Winning this award for the second year running is a great achievement. We have an excellent small team here at Staverton, who work very hard to make these accolades possible. With our shareholders now fully committed to our long-term future, we can build on our continued success. General aviation is an important enabler for regional economic growth. This award again raises our profile in the industry and will help us attract new business." The Airport first opened in 1936 and is still owned by Cheltenham Borough and Gloucester City Councils. It is consistently the UK's busiest general aviation airport, handling around 80 000 flights per year. More than 40 businesses and 180 aircraft, ranging from microlights to corporate jets are based at the 400-acre site at Junction 11 of the M5.