25 years of London City Airport

Exactly 25 years ago, on 5 November 1987, HM The Queen officially opened London City Airport.  Just a few days earlier Brymon Airways and its partner carrier Air France inaugurated services with a DHC Dash 7 turboprop flight to Paris.  Today Air France is still on the Paris route, now Orly rather than Charles de Gaulle and with an Avro RJ jet.

In its first year of operation four airlines offered flights to three destinations – Brussels, Paris and Plymouth.  Today the airport is currently home to 10 airlines flying to 42 destinations across Europe, as well as a twice-daily New York service.  200,000 passengers in its first 12 months as against probably over 3m in 2012.

To celebrate the anniversary the airport has announced a £15m investment programme with plans to refurbish the main pier with improved facilities, and a re-development of the international arrivals hall and baggage handling zones.  Work will begin in early 2013.

Declan Collier, CEO, said: "LCY is valued by business travellers for its location, being the closest airport to the City, West End and Canary Wharf, as well as its convenience – 20-minute check-in, door to gate and 10-minute arrival, tarmac to train”. www.londoncityairport.com

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