30 years of London City

On Sunday 27 June 1982 Captain Harry Gee landed a Brymon Airways DHC Dash 7 at Heron Quays in the heart of London’s dilapidated docklands.  It made the main TV news that evening and national newspapers the following morning.  The fact that a 50-seat transport aircraft could land in what is now the heart of the Canary Wharf complex startled everyone.

That day was made possible by the vision of the late Reg Ward, Chief Executive of the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC), construction company Mowlem’s quest for transport links, and in practical terms cancelling a Brymon Heathrow – Plymouth service.

The flight proved the concept for London City Airport.  Ward had other ideas for Heron Quays, but he also had another disused wharf up his sleeve in Royal Docks, one that would need a little work on before turning into an airport.

Ward’s dream has been realised 30 years on (Wednesday 30 June) to the tune of three million passengers annually, and even flights to New York.  From the first experimental flight to its actual opening took just over five years.  It could be argued that Docklands would not be where it is today without London City Airport. www.londoncityairport.com

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