West Wales Airport
Specialist airport for unmanned aerial systems testing.
West Wales Airport, located in Aberporth, Ceredigion, is the UK's leading privately-owned airport and a prominent centre for the development and testing of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). It holds a CAA Category 3 Aerodrome Licence, allowing for both public transport of passengers and flying instruction. The airport operates within the West Wales Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Environment, a segregated airspace environment that facilitates beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, a critical capability for advanced drone testing.
The airport was acquired in 2001 by entrepreneur Ray Mann, who transformed the former Royal Air Force station, RAF Aberporth, into a modern aviation facility. His vision was to create a hub for the burgeoning UAV industry. The facility boasts a 1257-meter main runway and provides comprehensive services including Air Traffic Control, hangarage, and office space. Its business model revolves around providing a secure and regulated environment for UAS developers to test their platforms. Clients include defense contractors, civilian technology companies, and research institutions. Revenue is generated through fees for airspace access, facility rentals, and support services. The airport's strategic location and unique offering of segregated airspace for BVLOS flights position it as a key asset in the UK's aviation and defense technology sectors.
Keywords: UAV testing, drone development, unmanned aerial systems, BVLOS operations, private airport, aviation facility, aerospace, defense technology, air traffic services, segregated airspace