A new centre for private jets at Norwich Airport will be a hub for aircraft arriving for the Olympics next year.

SaxonAir, which is set to open its new Business Aviation Centre in May, will act as an overflow for London airports during the international sporting event in July and August 2012.

The private jets will either drop off passengers at London airports before flying on to Norwich to park, or will land at Norwich Airport with passengers travelling on to London by helicopter.

SaxonAir already has agreements in place with various London agents to act as an overflow.

Chief executive Chris Mace said: 'The Olympics is going to bring with it much travel in terms of people coming from around the world. Air carrier traffic will be very busy and our transport infrastructure will be very busy.'

'We can bring people, companies, corporate groups in on their own schedule. The congestion is going to be very high at London airports so there will be limited space and Norwich will act as an overflow.'

The pilots and crew will stay locally until the private jet is ready to take off again. He said it was a model that had happened at other Olympic games around the world.

'We want to encourage people to use the facilities here, as well as experience Norfolk. The Olympics is going to be very busy and trying to find accommodation in London is going to be very difficult. We are far enough away for there not to be too much congestion, but close enough to go by train or helicopter.'

The �7.9m state of the art Business Aviation Centre at Norwich International Airport is due to open in May. It comprises a three-storey administration and passenger handling area located between two large hangars.

'This is really good for our new aviation centre', he said.

He said that although first class travel wasn't cheap, filling a private jet with 10 seats would cost the equivalent of first class travel.

• Is your business doing something for the Olympics? Contact reporter Annabelle Dickson on 01603 772426 or e-mail annabelle.dickson@archant.co.uk.