The Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco is set for May 23-26. As this is the 71st Monaco Grand Prix, it promises to be yet another very busy and popular event. As Monaco does not have an airport, business aircraft operators will need to consider their options in France. Aircraft parking at nearby airports may not be available for short-notice overnight bookings. So, operators may need to consider dropping passengers and re-positioning to another airport.

1. Primary airports to consider for the race

The Monaco Grand Prix takes place annually and coincides with the Cannes Film Festival. This means that there will be high traffic in both the Nice and Cannes areas. Preferred airports are Nice (LFMN) and Cannes (LFMD). Drive time to Monaco from LFMN is approximately 35 minutes and about a 50- minute drive to Monaco from LFMD. Cabotage is a constant concern when operating within Europe, especially France, so be sure to check with your 3rd-party provider before traveling to this region, as rules vary by country.

Nice (LFMN)

• Airport of entry: Yes
• Operating hours: 24 hours
• Aircraft parking: Request in advance
• Prior permission required (PPR): Required – lead time at least 72 hours in advance
• Airport slots: Required – deviation +10 minutes / – 5 minutes
• Ground handling: Available
• Aviation fuel: Available and aviation fuel cards are accepted

Notes:

It’s best to request your parking, PPR, and airport slots in advance of this event. Any large revisions to a confirmed PPR will likely start the process all over again behind other requests.

The flight plan must match the airport slots.

Parking confirmations are not released until three weeks before the time of operations.

It’s recommended that the operator bring their own chocks as there are cases during the peak season when they may run out.

Customs is cleared at the general aviation terminal (GAT). Depending on traffic, the clearance process usually takes about five minutes.

It’s also recommended you provide at least 24 hours’ notice for all in-flight catering orders.

Cannes (LFMD)

• Airport of entry: Yes
• Operating hours: 0800-2000 local in winter 0800-sunset + 30 minutes in summer, when sunset + 30 minutes is after 2000 local
• Aircraft parking: 21 main slots with 50-60 remote parking spots–request in advance
• PPR: May be required during event (normally not required)
• Airport slots: May be required during event (normally not required)
• Ground handling: Available
• Aviation fuel: Available and aviation fuel cards accepted

Notes:

The airport accepts aircraft up to a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 49,000 lbs. (22 metric tons).

PPRs normally are not required. However, a PPR will be needed for this period due to the large amount of anticipated traffic at these events.

Also, be sure to check with your 3rd-party provider as airport slots may be needed, depending on traffic levels.

Lighting is available at this airport only until 2000 local.

A mandatory briefing must be completed by operators prior to arrival.

2. Repositioning airports to consider

The following are alternatives to consider for aircraft repositioning due to the congestion in the Cannes and Nice area. These airports will offer more choices with regards to aircraft parking, hotel accommodations, and crew transportation.

Genoa (LIMJ)

• Airport of entry: Yes
• Operating hours: 24 hours
• Aircraft parking: Request in advance
• PPR: Required–lead time at least 72 hours in advance
• Airport slots: Not required
• Ground handling: Available
• Aviation fuel: Available and aviation fuel cards are accepted

Notes:

This airport can accommodate larger aircraft.

Helicopter connections to and from LFMD are available at this location.

For more on this airport, read this previous article on business aviation operations to Genoa.

Marseille (LFML)

• Airport of entry: Yes
• Operating hours: 24 hours
• Aircraft parking: Request in advance
• PPR: Not required
• Airport slots: Not required
• Ground handling: Available
• Aviation fuel: Available

Notes:

The general aviation terminal (GAT) operates 0600-2130 local Any operations into and out of this airport outside of the GAT hours will be handled at the main terminal.

3. Charter permits are needed

Both France and Italy require permits for charter operations. French Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requires five working days to process charter landing permit requests and permits are not processed on weekends or holidays. The permit process is quicker if the operator has a technical questionnaire already on file with the CAA.

Italian landing permit requirements have changed recently. A Foreign Operator’s Questionnaire is no longer required for operators with less than 20 passenger seats. You should note that two types of charter permits are available: a one-shot and an annual permit. Due to changing documentation requirements and recent modifications regarding Italian landing permits, it’s best to confirm current requirements with your 3rd-party provider.

4. Consider hotel and transport options

Hotel availability in the LFMN and LFMD areas will be very restricted during the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival. You may need to work with your ground handler to source accommodations farther away and in more remote locations. Pre-paid crew transport – car with driver – is recommended due to heavy traffic in the area. However, short notice requests may face limited options. As there will be road closures in the Cannes area and a general lack of vehicle parking, rental vehicles are not recommended (unless your accommodations are in a very remote area).

There are a relatively high number of hotels available in LIMJ and LFML area with many international and local chains available. Pre-paid transportation is recommended for both LIMJ and LFML. Rental cars are another option when staying in these areas.

Conclusion

Even for short notice and last-minute operation to the Monaco Grand Prix, your local handler can do what is possible to make arrangements for your trip. Even during the busiest periods on the Cote d’Azur, there are always options available. Just remember that orchestrating a last-minute trip may require a drop-and-go with crew hotel accommodations some distance from the Grand Prix circuit.

Questions?

If you have any questions contact me at johnperry@univ-wea.com.