With six weeks still to go before the 2012 British Grand Prix, The Barclays London Heliport is anticipating its busiest weekend of the year to date, having confirmed record bookings for the forthcoming Formula 1 Santander Grand Prix at Silverstone.  Bookings from City-based corporates and private individuals ahead of the July 6-8^th weekend are up on previous years with just a few slots remaining for the three days.

Simon Hutchins, Heliport Manager, said:  “We have already confirmed more slots for the Grand Prix than in the last four years.  Bookings are up 100% and counting on last year’s event and we expect the remaining few slots to sell well in advance of the event.  The slot allocation for Sunday (race day itself) is almost fully utilized and Saturday is heading towards maximum capacity too.

“Approximately 15% of all the Heliport’s bookings are connecting passengers who arrive into the UK at the London airports.  But we are also seeing an increase in the number of London-based businesses and residents who are keen to take advantage of the quickest way to get to Silverstone.  With the 2012 London Olympics following hot on the heels of Silverstone, we’re certainly in for a record-breaking summer.”

Interest in Formula One has reached new heights in the UK with the British Grand Prix boasting a heady mix of power, passion, glamour and drama.  And this year there’s every chance it’ll be a Brit toasting their success on the podium with Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and Paul di Resta all competing for success on home turf.

“Travelling by helicopter to what is one of the highlights of the Season is the ultimate way to experience Silverstone,” confirmed Simon Hutchins.  “It takes just 25 minutes to fly from The London Heliport, located in Battersea just south of Chelsea Wharf & Harbour, to the Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire and passengers are guaranteed no traffic queues, no hassle and no more stylish way to experience the exhilarating atmosphere of Formula 1.”

Record bookings for the Silverstone British Grand Prix represent a strong start for the new shareholders of The Barclays London Heliport, which, together with London Oxford Airport, are now under the single ownership of the Reuben Brothers, following their acquisition of The Heliport at the end of February.  Barclays lead sponsorship of The London Heliport dates from May 2012.

The Barclays London Heliport is wholly owned by the Reuben Brothers who announced its acquisition at the end of February, 2012.  Reuben Brothers’ investment activities include private equity, real estate ownership and development, which are predominantly based in the United Kingdom and Europe. Businesses include London Oxford Airport, shopping centres, mixed use commercial real estate, data centres, race courses, public houses, hotels and other development projects.