Biggin marks its centenary

A special gathering of people and aircraft on Tuesday witnessed the launch of ‘Biggin100’, a programme of celebrations and special events to mark the centenary of London Biggin Hill Airport.

Among those present to take to the air for a celebration flypast in a Spitfire and a Learjet 75 corporate jet were three 100-year-old guests, including Ray Roberts, a WW2 pilot, who flew in the Spitfire.

Also honoured were local residents Lily Osborne, a former MI5 signals intelligence officer, and Trudi Baxter, both of whom flew in the Learjet, which was provided by bespoke charter airline Zenith Aviation.

Biggin was “born” on 13 February 1917 when the War Office established a military camp on the site. It went on to become one of the most famous RAF Fighter Command airfields of WW2 – hence the presence on Tuesday of the Spitfire.

The Learjet flight marked Biggin’s current role as a dedicated international gateway airport for Greater London and the City for business, corporate and private aviation.

Airport managing director Will Curtis used the occasion to outline a bright future for the facility and its community, adding: “Biggin 100 will enable us to showcase our continuing commitment as we lay the foundations and investment enabling us to inspire young people to pursue exciting and worthwhile aerospace careers.”

http://www.bigginhillairport.com

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