Following approval by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, privately owned London Oxford Airport announced that it has achieved a 21-percent increase in its usable runway distance. Licensed takeoff distances are now 5,223 and 5,112 feet, respectively. The announcement came after the airport initiated an extensive program to remove obstacles and protect the safety surfaces on the runway approaches and sides. Four years ago, the airport began an upgrade project resulting in a wider and stronger runway. “Many business jet and regional airliner types can now carry more passengers, or achieve significant gains in range from the airport,” said James Dillon-Godfray, London Oxford’s director of business development.