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Post by viscount on Oct 10, 2014 23:16:49 GMT 1
AIRPORT HISTORY THREAD IN TABLES AND IMAGES  Rod Rufus, Airport Director and Councilor King, Chairman of the Airport Committee. Photo 1983, dated by the Chinook photo on the wall and by the 1933-1983 anniversary tie! Original 2014 introduction: These tables have been generated over a number of years, initially here on nwan forum and by FoLA members. The table has been used in FoLA's '09/27' magazine, most recently in No.125 Summer 2013, however here incorporates several recent changes. In March 2014 the Airport Company ownership returned 100% to Peel Holdings and in September Matthew Thomas stood down as CEO, to be replaced at the start of October by Andrew Cornish, who we warmly welcome to the job which has a long heritage. It depends on the viewer's age how much of this list evokes memories, or how much it is simply a list of names. All though have contributed to the Airport's development during their time in charge. Creating this 'Roll of Honour" listing has not been without its difficulties. Some dates have difficult to pin down, while particularly since privatisation, job role descriptions change, as has the relationship between the Airport Operating Company top management and the Controlling owners management. That said comment or correction is welcome. 'Roll of Honour', Airport MD/CEOs & Airport Ownership
Airport Ownership Time Span Duration
City of Liverpool Corporation 1930 to August 1939 9 years
Air Ministry, RAF, Min of Civil Avn, Min of Aviation etc September 1939 to December 1960 21 years
Liverpool City Council January 1961 to 1977 16 years
Merseyside County Council 1977 to March 1986 9 years
Five local Councils jointly through MPTE April 1986 to March 1988 2 years
Five local Councils as joint shareholders in Airport plc April 1988 to May 1990 2 years
British Aerospace (76% majority shareholder, 24% councils) June 1990 to July 1997 7 years
Peel Holdings (76% on purchase of BAe's shareholding) July 1997 to June 2001 4 years
Peel Holdings sole owner (100%, having bought out the councils) July 2001 to June 2010 9 years
Vancouver Airport Services (65%) Peel Holdings (35%) June 2010 to March 2014 4 years
YVRAS renamed Vantage Airport Group early 2012
Peel Holdings again sole owner (100% shareholding) March 2014 onwards
Airport Operating Company (post Privatisation sale) Time Span Duration
British Aerospace Liverpool Airport Ltd (BALA) June 1990 to July 1997 7 years
Peel Holdings Ltd as owners of Liverpool Airport plc July 1997 to October 1999 2 years
Peel Airports Ltd as a Peel Group Company October 1999 to January 2013 13 years
renamed Vantage Airports UK Ltd January 2013 to March 2014 1 year
Peel Airports Ltd as a Peel Group Company March 2014 onwards
Airport Director 'Roll of Honour' Held Office
Captain Harold James Andrews, Airport Manager July 1932 to September 1939
Air Ministry requisitioned and operated airfield September 1939 to December 1960
J.Chadwick, Manager & W.Harris DFC final Commandant until December 1960
Wing Commander H.W.G. 'Harry' Andrews, Apt Director January 1961 to February 1964
Keith Porter, Airport Director April 1964 to mid 70s
Dennis Ridgeway, Acting Airport Director mid 70s to May 1978
Bryan Trunkfield, Acting Airport Director Spring 1978 to July 1978
Rod Rufus, Airport Director July 1978 to July 1988
Bryan Trunkfield, Acting Airport Director July 1988 to January 1989
Chris Preece, Airport Director, later Managing Director January 1989 to April 1992
Rod Hill, Airport Manger, later Managing Director April 1992 to August 2002
Neil Pakey, Managing Director of Airport Company August 2002 to mid 2006
Andy Gower, promotion to Airport Director May 2007 to August 2011
Craig Richmond as CEO Peel Airports June 2010 to March 2013
Matthew Thomas as CEO Vantage Airports UK March 2013 to September 2014
Andrew Cornish as CEO LJLA October 2014 to end of June 2017
John Irving as CEO LJLA March 2018
Airport Operating Company MD/CEO Held Office
Chris Preece as MD of BALA (British Aerospace Lpl Apt) June 1990 to April 1992
Rod Hill as MD of BALA April 1992 to July 1997
Robert Hough as Deputy Chairman, Peel Holdings Group July 1997 to October 1999
Robert Hough, now as Chairman/CEO Peel Airports Ltd October 1999 to March 2007 (or 2009?)
Neil Pakey, MD/Deputy CEO Peel Airports Ltd mid 2006 to October 2010
Mark Whitworth, CEO Peel Airports March 2007 to June 2010
Craig Richmond, CEO Peel Airports/Vantage Airports UK June 2010 to March 2013
Matthew Thomas, CEO Vantage Airports UK March 2013 to March(or October?) 2014
Robert Hough, Airport Company Chairman for Peel Holdings Mar/Oct? 2014 onwards
Creating this table has particularly caused problems, due to sources
quoting different titles and dates, with roles at times combined
at others separate from day-to-day ops as Apt Director
LIVERPOOL'S TERMINAL BUILDINGS since 1930
Liverpool Airport's Passenger Terminal Operational Span In Use
Wooden Office, NE of the 800 yd grass runway June to September 1930 6 months
Chapel House farmhouse July 1933 to June 1937 4 years
Side offices of No.1 hangar June 1937 to late 1939 2 years
Curved terminal built in 'Art Deco' style with central tower late 1939 to April 1986 47 years
(Including use of No.2 hangar as 'International Terminal' June 1971 to June 1983 12 years)
South airfield, initial 'Warehouse' terminal. April 1986 to early 2002 16 years
Glass fronted terminal, incorporating initial South terminal July 2002 onwards 16+ years so far
Passenger Terminal Throughput Operational Span Total Pax
Curved 'Art Deco' Terminal on North Airfield 1939-1986 47 years 11m
Initial South Airfield Terminal with sloping roof 1986-2002 16 years 12m
Glass fronted LJLA Terminal 2002 onwards 19+ so far 85m? and growing
This final table shows the effect of the move to the South Airfield
on passenger throughput, and the incredible number of passengers that
have passed through the current terminal in relatively few years!
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL AT LIVERPOOL AIRPORT since 1930 Pre-1939 there are two photos in the Thelwall collection that give clues, but no dates - the dates are assumed as being the same as changes to the passenger handling facilities. With the passage of time it is unclear when the central, 'art deco' building control tower was first used. The tower was built first (like a lighthouse), then the curved terminal wrapped around it. Could have been in use 1938 with the staff entering via the building site. Certainly complete and available for use as war declared September 1939.
Liverpool Airport's Air Traffic 'Control Tower' Operational Span In Use
Chapel House farmhouse, dormer window in attic July 1933 to June 1937 4 years
Front of the side offices of No.1 hangar June 1937 to late 1939 2 years
In the central tower above the 'Art Deco' style terminal late 1939 to end March 1982 43 years
(old tower use continued with a part time observer April 1982 to January 1984 -2 years)
Temporary scaffolding and portacabin tower beside 27/09 April 1982 to November 1982 8 months
Tower, VCR and RFFS building North of 27/09 runway November 1982 to January 2002 19 years
Taller tower with VCR and radar rooms, south of 27/09 runway January 2002 onwards 19+ years so far
Provision of Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) post war
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA/NATS) to end of March 1982
International Aeradio/Serco Ltd (IAL) from 1st April 1982 to sometime 1999
provided 'in house' as a Peel Holdings division sometime 1999 to November 2012
renamed Vantage Air Traffic Services Ltd and incorporated November 2012 to May 2014
Wholly owned Peel Co again, as Air Traffic Control Services Ltd May 2014 onwards
I see that on a PC with a wide screen monitor this post arranges in wonderfully straight neat columns, but on my lap-top distorts badly
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Post by viscount on Aug 23, 2017 16:41:36 GMT 1
The above post was just one of a number of tables compiled in 2013 to accompany a articles to appear in FoLA's '09/27' during the Airport's 80th Anniversary year. Some did see publication as tables, others possibly a little more controversial in content remained in as files in my PC. However there is no excuse that I can think of, not to bring you these tables - although what is included and what has been left out, is open to some discussion.
The first post is a straight forward, although a personal selection of the major development dates in the Airport's history - both positive and negative over the past 85 or so years. SO JUST HOW DID WE GET TO WHERE WE ARE TODAY ?
A TIMELINE HISTORY OF THE AIRPORT STORY Brian Jones (Researched in 2013, updated 2018 and 2021) A Chronology of Airport Development over the past 85 years As we mark the 85th Anniversary of Speke Airport, now far better known as Liverpool John Lennon Airport it is worthwhile considering the events that have brought us to the current day. Whilst clearly Phil Butler's book (Tempus, 2008) is essential reading for anyone interested in the Airport's development, this personal selection of key dates is intended to chart the major (and some minor) events that have shaped the Airport's history. In this listing I have quite deliberately taken little account of aircraft, airlines or routes operated, concentrating here on some of the key events, buildings and people that have brought the Airport to the current 80th Anniversary landmark, 1933-2018. Compiled with reference to '09/27' (especially 78/2001 & 105/2008), Flypast, NWAN, Phil Butler & his books.
1927 The Liverpool Organisation (a publicity and promotions organisation partly financed by the City
Council) lobby for the development of a municipal aerodrome.
10.05.1929 A City Council committee consider five short-listed sites for a municipal aerodrome. Speke site
selected and later approved by the full Council.
03.1930 Levelling work on former Speke Hall estate land commences
16.06.1930 A 'Private Use' licence granted enabling Imperial Airways to commence an experimental air
service from existing former farm buildings, service ended 20.9.30 with 601 passengers carried.
02.1931 Sir Alan Cobham presents a development plan for the Airport, never adopted due to cost involved.
16.06.1933 Full Public Use licence issued
01.07.1933 Official Aerodrome opening ceremony performed by the Marquis of Londonderry, Secretary of
State for Air. The air display that followed was heralded as the greatest ever held outside of
RAF Hendon
03.07.1933 Regular scheduled air services commenced, operated by Blackpool & West Coast Air Services.
1935 Further levelling and drainage of the airfield site
11.06.1937 Lord Derby declares the new Control Tower and No.1 hangar open.
23.12.1937 Radio approach beacon is commissioned and a Liverpool Control Zone established
10.1938 First of approx 2,500 Bristol Blenheim's to be built by Rootes Securities aircraft factory flies.
15.02.1939 Lockheed Aircraft Corp. move into No.1 hangar to reassemble aircraft shipped to Britain
1939 The new 'Art Deco' terminal building and all ancillary work completed, along with No.2 Hangar.
No formal opening ceremonies due to the imminent outbreak of war with Germany.
24.08.1939 Royal Air Force Station Speke was formed using personnel from resident No.611 Squadron
31.08.1939 Aerodrome and buildings requisitioned by the Air Ministry's Directorate of Civil Aviation
03.09.1939 All civilian flights grounded. Air services to IoM, Belfast and Dublin resumed by end of the year.
27.03.1941 First Fleet Air Arm unit arrived at Liverpool. FAA use of Liverpool Airport ended 07.04.45.
05.05.1941 Most notable WWII unit at Liverpool, the Merchant Ship Fighter Unit formed. Disbanded 07.09.43
mid.1941 Costains lay a hard perimeter track around aerodrome and construct concrete dispersal pens
15.03.1942 First HP Halifax to be built by Rootes Securities Ltd at Liverpool makes its first flight.
23.07.1942 A. Monk & Co. of Warrington started to lay down the first of three 'hard' runways.
23.10.1942 The construction of the 'hard' runways completed. Longest is '08/26' at 5,127ft.
10.07.1944 Control of Airport transferred back to the Directorate of Civil Aviation when RAF Speke closes
09.07.1945 Last of 1,070 Halifax's to be built by Rootes Securities at Speke made its first flight.
01.02.1947 All British scheduled airline operations nationalised as British European Airways services
18.05.1948 A new GCA (Ground Controlled Approach) radar system installed on 26 (removed 31.12.50)
05.1949 Starways moved their base from Blackpool following investment by F.H.Wilson of Liverpool.
17.11.1952 First F-86 Sabres arrived for overhaul by Airwork Ltd. At peak used Hangars No. 1, 2 & 6.
28.11.1952 Liverpool Corporation and Ministry of Civil Aviation officials met. Terms offered to return Airport
to City control were subsequently declined.
late 1955 Decca (later Plessey) 424 primary radar installed. Serves until 1986.
1956/1957 Main runway 08/26 re-laid and drainage improved. Parallel grass runway used for several months.
Improvement enabled DC-4s and Viscounts to be operated regularly into Liverpool.
02.1958 Airwork facility closed as further overhaul contracts were not forthcoming.
01.01.1961 Airport ownership transferred back from Ministry of Aviation to Liverpool City Council. Wing
Commander H.W.G. Andrews takes office as the new Airport Director.
1962 Main runway, '08/26' extended westwards by 500ft. Runways, taxiways and apron re-surfaced.
1962/1963 Internal improvements to terminal building during the winter season
01.01.1964 British Eagle commence services from Liverpool on take-over of Starways Ltd
12.1964 Work on the new long runway, to become 10/28, commenced well south of existing aerodrome
07.05.1966 Duke of Edinburgh opens the new 7,500ft runway '10/28' (later re-designated '09/27') along with
the link taxiway and associated changes to Northern Airfield runway pattern.
1966 Finger parking bays added to main apron to enlarge parking area and modification to the
side door of Hangar No.1 to allow Bristol Britannia aircraft inside for maintenance work.
18.07.1966 Now 24 hours operation, 7 days a week, aiding development of I/T flights and freight services
06.11.1968 End of a chapter as British Eagle International Airlines cease operations due to financial failure
21.07.1969 ILS on Runway 28 approved for Cat.II operations after protracted development work
06.1971 Hangar No.2 modified with a new frontage to become the 'International Terminal'
02.02.1973 South airfield 'new' runway 28/10 re-designated 09/27 due to the slow drift of magnetic north
1974 Interim transfer of Airport operation from Liverpool City to Merseyside County Council
1977 Merseyside County Council take full responsibility for the Airport's operation
28.10.1978 British Airways operate their last scheduled flights into Liverpool using Viscount 800s.
29.10.1978 British Midland Airways move into Liverpool on London and Irish Sea Routes, replacing BA.
1978/1979 Improvements and changes made inside the terminal building during the winter season
02.07.1979 Royal Mail commences night-time 'Spokes from Speke' operation on Western apron.
24.11.1981 Work commences on new control tower and fire station on Southern Airfield adjacent to 09/27
01.04.1982 Contract to provide ATC services changed from CAA to International Aeradio Ltd (IAL). ATC
moved to a temporary structure north of 09/27. The 1937 tower now used for ground control only,
until closed 11.01.1984. North Airfield runways (08/26 and 35) closed for take-offs and landings
The now re-designated, runway 16 continued in use for night departures only until 09.01.1984
26.10.1982 Official ceremony to open new control tower and fire station led by Councillor JP King,
Chairman of the Airport Committee. VCR comes into full use during November.
28.01.1983 First sod cut for new South Airfield Apron - to the west of the new control tower.
06.1983 Regular use of Hangar No.2 as the 'International Terminal' ended, although limited use for
charters and diversions continued until April 1986.
01.07.1983 Liverpool Airport's Golden, 50th, Anniversary
24.09.1983 First commercial use of the new South Airfield apron is by a BA Concorde
09.01.1984 Post Office night mail sorting operation moved to a new mail centre beside the new apron
15.03.1984 New ILS system installed on Runway 27 operational, with full Cat.II capabilities
1984 Nadir of Airport's fortunes with a throughput of just 231,813 passengers - poorest year since 1961
25.02.1985 Ceremony to cut the first turf of the South Airfield terminal building by Councillor Ben Shaw,
Chairman of Merseyside County Council. Wimpy Construction awarded building contract.
19.11.1985 New fuel farm declared open by Councillor John King, Chairman of the Airport Committee
26.03.1986 Cllr Edith Lawrenson, Chairman MCC opens new terminal early - in advance of abolition of MCC!
27.04.1986 Last use of the Northern 'art deco' terminal building by passengers. Former terminal now closed.
Some 11m passengers passed through the building in 47 years, 1939-1986
1986 Plessey ACR430 radar installed on south airfield, south of runway 09/27.
01.04.1988 Airport becomes a 'plc' in-line with Government policy to privatise airport ownership
25.04.1988 Work began at the 27 end to resurface the 'friction' layer of 09/27 at night. Completed end May.
06.02.1989 Regular small package and freight operations at night by TNT commenced to Cologne hub.
01.06.1990 BAe purchase a majority shareholding (76%) in the Airport Company, setting up BALA Ltd.
07.03.1994 Serco IAL take-over day-to-day operation of Airport, ATC & security. Contract ends 30.06.2000
14.07.1997 Peel Holdings purchase all of BAe's shareholding, so become new majority owners of Airport
1999 Marconi S511 primary surveillance radar installed, replacing the 1986 Plessey equipment
02.1999 Work on new General Aviation apron 'Kilo' started to north of 27 threshold. Completed in May.
15.07.1999 EasyJet upgrade Liverpool as their second base, with initially two aircraft based and 6 routes.
03.08.1999 For the first time the Airport reaches 1 million passengers throughput in a 12 month period
30.09.1999 Most of the general aviation aircraft move onto the 'Kilo' apron alongside associated portakabins.
10.1999 Four large hangars are completed alongside east edge of the main apron, close to the terminal.
01.2000 David Lloyd Leisure Centre opens in the refurbished former No.1 hangar
04.2000 Metcom ATIS introduced on 124.325 providing continuous information and met.details for pilots.
04.2000 Training ground staff for nose-in aircraft parking commenced in preparation for new apron layout.
29.08.2000 Final aircraft activity on northern airfield as Keenair move out of Hangar No.4 to their new hangar
at the edge of 'Kilo'. A display by a Stearman aircraft salutes end of 70 years of aviation activity.
10.2000 Refurbishment of former No.2 Hangar complete, although not occupied for several years to come.
10.2000 Site preparation commences for a new 140ft control tower and VCR south of runway 09/27.
12.02.2001 Ceremony to mark the erection of first girder-work of new, much enlarged airport terminal building.
15.05.2001 The 'art deco' style former airport terminal opens as a luxury Marriott Hotel after complete
renovation, rebuild and two additional wings added.
09.05.2001 Peel Holdings buy out the local government minority shareholders in the Airport company
02.07.2001 Peel, with Yoko Ono, announce that the airport is re-branded as 'Liverpool John Lennon Airport'
09.01.2002 New control tower and VCR brought into full use after weeks of trials and testing.
01.2002 First phase of major airport terminal building expansion completed and in use by passengers
15.03.2002 Statue of John Lennon unveiled in terminal on the central 'bridge' mezzanine level by Yoko Ono.
Bronze statue is the work of local artist Tom Murphy.
25.07.2002 HM Queen Elizabeth II, officially opens the impressive new glass fronted terminal, (which
completely engulfed the 1986 structure), with Robert Hough, Chairman of Liverpool Airport plc.
17.04.2003 ILS on Runway 09 operational, replaces procedural NDB approaches in poor weather.
2003 Further work on the terminal, car parks, landside car parks and aircraft apron expansion.
28.04.2004 An eastwards extension to the apron handed over, the 'Tango' apron brought into use during May.
08.2004 Ravenair/Liverpool Aviation Services open a second hangar beside 'Kilo' adjoining their first.
31.03.2005 Airport became a Ryanair overnight base, with an initial four based Boeing 737-800s on 7 routes
26.07.2005 The 'Yellow Submarine' unveiled outside terminal by Cllr Mike Storey, Leader of Lpl City Council
06.2006 TNT freight building northside of the runway opened for business (duplicates same entry for 06.2007!?)
11.06.2006 Liverpool Parkway officially opened - provides Airport with much improved bus/rail access link
2006 A Raytheon Systems ASR-10SS Mark 2 secondary surveillance radar installed alongside 27.
2006 The Littlewoods Organisation move into the former No.2 hangar, now known as 'Skyways House'.
12.07.2006 Draft Master Plan published for consultation, takes airport planning through to 2030.
08.2006 A new fire and rescue training rig on the former spur apron commissioned into service.
30.09.2006 Final dedicated Royal Mail flights operated into Liverpool, ending a 27 year operation.
10.2006 09/27 runway rebuilt and resurfaced at night over a six month period, completed end 03.2007
06.2007 TNT freight-handling building northside of the runway opened for business
29.10.2007 Ryan Babel, LFC and Leighton Baines, EFC switch on new Cat.III runway lighting on 09/27.
12.2007 Work on a £37m multi-story car park and hotel development opposite the terminal commenced
01.07.2008 Diamond, 75th Anniversary of Liverpool Airport during Liverpool, European Capital of Culture year
18.12.2008 Multi-storey Car Park opposite the Terminal completed and ground floor open for business
29.03.2009 KLM commence services from Amsterdam 3 times daily, connecting LJLA with the world
09.2009 Approval to resume Cat II ILS operations, working towards full Cat.III approval
22.10.2009 The 160 room 'Hampton by Hilton' hotel opposite LJLA's Terminal opened by Phil Redmond
12.2009 £12m terminal development to extend retail, security search-comb & baggage handling commenced
2010 Internal re-design of the terminal enlarges 'airside' area - now no view of the apron from 'landside'
22.06.2010 Vancouver Airport Services purchase a 65% share in Peel Airports Ltd from Peel Holdings Ltd
07.2010 Enlarged security search-comb area completed to speed passenger handling
10.2010 On approach road, Speke Hall Avenue, a £5.5m, 101 room 'Premier Inn' opened.
03.2011 Runway lighting on 27 replaced during a 5 month project, involving 142 new poles and 230 new lights.
05.07.2011 18 month, £12m project to redesign terminal interior completed with new retail outlets
24.03.2012 KLM withdraw their service linking Amsterdam and Liverpool.
30.05.2012 £1/4m Servisair 'Aspire' lounge officially opened in the Airport Terminal
25.07.2012 10th Anniversary of the new terminal building, already used by 45m passengers
01.2013 The partnership between Vancouver Airport Services & Peel Airports renamed Vantage Airports UK
01.07.2013 80th Anniversary of the Official Airport opening in 1933, although celbrations kept low-key.
2013 Work commences on establishing a 'Runway End Safety Area' in the undershoot of runway 27, on-going project
03.2014 Vantage withdraw from part ownership, Peel Group once again sole owners
15.12.2014 Blue Air commenced service to Bucharest, the first of a number of routes to Liverpool, with aircraft
2015-2017 A rolling series of improvements within the terminal eg retail, replacing '08' carpets, refurbishing toilet facilities
03.05.2016 After a number of years with no dedicated I/T services, Thomson TUI return for the summer season to Palma, more for summer '17
26.03.2017 Blue Air expanded their LJLA operations, operationally basing an aircraft at Liverpool overnight
02.2018 Cat.III ILS restored to full operation at the 27 end after many years of operation restricted to Cat.II limits.
05.03.2018 XLS open a new dedicated private and business aircraft and passenger handling centre on the main apron
10.2018 Work starts on replacing management offices, formerly long-term in Portacabin structures.
03.2020 Corona Virus Pandemic hits Europe. From 3rd week of March most scheduled services cancelled. Some reintroduced in June but destinations
served and frequency operated vary for the next 18 month plus.
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Post by viscount on Aug 23, 2017 17:33:27 GMT 1
The above table is a somewhat standard way of looking at the important developments that shaped the history and development of an Airport. The table of details below, consider an Airport's development from a different aspect, that of the development of a key part of an Airport's operation, the runways.
The original version of these table may, or may not, have been published in the ARG, Airfield Research Group's magazine several years ago - I won't go into the story here, but if someone is a member of ARG and recognises the tables, do PM me as I would rather like to know how the article turned out in print with additional material from Dave Smith!
An airfield map follows which certainly helps understanding the information here by showing the relation of each runway to the others for those unfamiliar with the 1942-1986 layout. DEVELOPMENT OF THE RUNWAYS AT LIVERPOOL AIRPORT Brian Jones GENERAL NORTH AIRFIELD & RUNWAY NOTES.
01.07.1933 Speke Airport officially opened as a grass airfield
by 1939 Five grass runways defined and in use, allowing operation whatever the wind direction
mid 1941 Costains Ltd laid a hard perimeter taxi track, various hard-standings and blast pens
07.1942-10.1942 Three hard runways laid by A.Monk & Co, 08/26, 04/22 and 17/35 on what became the North Airfield
07.05.1966 The 'New Runway' on the South Airfield officially opened, and remains in use today
01.04.1982 Last official aircraft movements on the North Airfield runways (with a couple of exceptions)
28.04.1986 Closure of the 'Art Deco' terminal and all North Airfield passenger activities ceased (except during
short periods of Manchester strike closure) on the North Airfield
29.08.2000 Final use of the North airfield taxiway by an aircraft under power
GENERAL NORTH AIRFIELD & MAIN APRON NOTES.
late 1939 When the main Art Deco terminal came into use, the apron did not extend far from the building, aircraft could park, but not pass
another parked.
1947/1948 Apron extended outwards significantly sufficiently to allow a Dakota to taxi past another parked aircraft.
1962/1963 Apron resurfaced, some further outward extension away from the building, reshaping the outer edge. West exit totally reshaped
with a new taxiway added towards 26.
early 1966 Three 'finger' aprons and associated lighting constructed outwards from main apron
circa 1971/72 Two of the fingers joined together, the combined space being sufficient to permit a Boeing 707 to turn under power
28.04.1986 Last use by passenger aircraft that dropped their passengers into the terminal building.
upto 1995? During periods of Manchester strike diversions some aircraft would be parked on the former main apron, fingers, western
apron and runway 08/26 - all passengers bused to/from south airfield terminal.
THE RUNWAYS AT LIVERPOOL AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT OF MAIN RUNWAY, 08/26.
Summer 1942 The 5,127 x 150 foot hard surface runway laid down, replacing the previous grass surface
18.05.48-31.12.50 GCA Radar system 'blind landing' aid installed on runway 26
1957/1958 Runway 08/26 re-laid to allow for regular use by heavier aircraft eg DC-4 and Viscount, still 5,127'.
by August 1962 08/26 extended by 500 foot at the west (river) end (5,627') with new taxiway access at that end
Runways and taxiways re-surfaced. East exit off apron to 26 redesigned
01.04.1982 08/26 closed for any aircraft movements. Temporarily open for Air Shows in 1982 and 1984, plus once
for a light aircraft emergency and a couple of landings in error. Relegated to taxiway status.
during 1996 Breaking-up and removal of 08/26 and associated taxiways commenced (taxiway 16/34 remaining in use)
DEVELOPMENT OF RUNWAY 04/22
Summer 1942 The 4,187 x 150 foot hard surface runway laid down - this remained the declared length until closure.
1958 04/22 closed for all aircraft movements. Starways soon after erected a hangar close to the 22 threshold
early 1966 Middle section of 04/22 resurfaced as the 'Central Taxiway', part of the link taxiway to the south airfield
DEVELOPMENT OF CROSS-WIND RUNWAY 17/35, later 16/34
Summer 1942 The 3,192 x 150 foot hard surface runway laid down
1957/1958 Re-laid and resurfaced to permit use by heavier aircraft, declared length remained at 3,192'.
early 1962 Runways and taxiways resurfaced
early 1966 17/35 extended by 1000 ft at the 35 (Speke Hall) end as part of south airfield link taxiway development
01.04.1982 Closed for general aircraft movements by day, however 17 (later 16) remained open for night departures only
11.11.1982 17/35 renamed 16/34 due to magnetic drift
10.01.1984 Completely closed for any aircraft movements, but remained in use as a taxiway only
29.08.2000 Last use as a taxiway as Keenair are final north airfield aviation tenants, moving to the new GA apron.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOUTH AIRFIELD 'NEW' RUNWAY 10/28, later 09/27
07.05.1966 Newly constructed 10/28 a 7,500 x 150 ft runway, opened by the Duke of Edinburgh. Connected to the
North airfield facilities, runways and taxiways by a 'link taxiway' between Speke Hall and the River
Mersey. Laid down by G.Percy Trenham Ltd.
04.04.1968 The 'OE' NDB beacon moved from serving 26, to Runcorn in line with runway 28 (now the 'LPL' beacon).
21.07.1969 ILS on 28 approved for Cat.II operations after protracted system development
02.02.1973 Due to global magnetic drift, runway 10/28 becomes 09/27
15.03.1984 New ILS system on 27 becomes operational to full Cat.II requirements
04.1988-05.1988 09/27 top friction/drainage surface replaced
17.04.2003 The first ILS on 09 declared operational, replaced NDB Localiser procedural approach pattern
10.2006-03.2007 09/27 completely rebuilt and re-surfaced, undertaken at night by contractors AMEC over a 6 month period
10.2010-03.2011 Approach lighting completely renewed at the 27 end, bringing it to Cat.IIIB autoland standard.
02.2018 New Cat.III autoland system on 27 approved for unrestricted use and operators notified by NOTAM.
FINAL OFFICIAL NORTH AIRFIELD AIRCRAFT MOVEMENTS 31st MARCH 1982 (& BEYOND).
Runway 08 Final take-off Cessna 150 G-FAYE at 1917 hours. Final landing Cessna 172 G-BIBW at 1942 hours
Runway 26 Final take-off Cherokee G-GCAT at 1144 out on a local flight, on return landed 26 at 1244
Runway 35 Final take-off Cessna 150 G-FAYE at 1022. Final landing Cessna 310 G-BGTT from Jersey at 1221 hours.
Runway 17 Final daytime take-off Cessna 414 G-JGCL to BHX at 1338. Final landing a King Air 90 at 1838 on 26.03.82
Exceptions: Although North a/f was closed, there was at least one emergency landing and several in error on 08. Runway
17 (now 16) remained open for night departures, while 26/08 was re-instated for Air Shows in 1982 and 1984
Runway 26 Final 26 airliner departure Dakota G-AMPO with pleasure flight passengers, Air Show 27th June 1982
Runway 16 Final night time take-off, a Genair Bandeirante G-BHYT to Manchester at 2154 hours on 10th January 1984.
Runway 26 Last aircraft movement ever was off runway 26, a RAF Hercules twice during an Air Display 19th August 1984.
North airfield 29.08.00 final ground aircraft movement, Stearman G-BRUJ taxied on own power from the north airfield as Keenair move hangars.
The comments refer to fixed wing aircraft, there have been helicopter movements from the site since.
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Post by viscount on Aug 24, 2017 11:35:21 GMT 1
Finally, for now, a couple of tables that could cause debate, both in terms of who to include in the first table, and the 'turn-over' of non-British airlines exposed in the final table. Reasons are extensively examined on other threads at the time, but while the 'failure' to keep CSA, Norwegian, Vueling etc are highlighted, do not lose sight of the success of Wizzair and Blue Air. Wizzair in particular have been successful from Liverpool John Lennon for more years than many realise. These tables are summaries, within which much detail has not been stated - but if it had they would become hopeless confused. Hope I've not missed anything out that should be included, though. DOMINANT SCHEDULED SERVICE AIRLINES AT LIVERPOOL (since 1945) A dominant airline is here defined as one with a network of key routes, carrying a reasonable proportion of the Airport's scheduled passenger traffic. A difficulty is that a number of the airlines listed operated single routes before or after the dates given eg Starways were based from 5.49 and operated charters before scheduled services, while BMA and Flybe both offered routes long after they pulled out of operating a whole network of services. Additionally Aer Lingus, BMA and Flybe have returned later with a more limited operation.
Inagural Ende Years Airline Examples of destinations served (not always all at the same time), with some notes
08.09.44 14.01.90 46 Aer Lingus Dublin (also operated 31.10.04 to 25.06.06 & again 23.10.15 to 05.01.17), Cork, Belfast (48/49)
01.02.47 31.03.63 16 BEA IoM, Belfast, Manchester, Birmingham, Jersey
07.04.51 31.03.76 26 Cambrian/BAS IoM, Belfast, Heathrow, Cork, Cardiff, Bristol, Jersey, Guernsey, Glasgow - network of routes
from 01.04.63 with Irish Sea routes handed-over from BEA.
00.03.55 31.12.63 8 Starways IoM ('52), Heathrow, Glasgow, Ostend, Blackpool, Newquay, Tarbes
04.04.60 00.03.75 15 Dan Air Rotterdam/Amsterdam, Bournemouth, Dundee, Cardiff, Bristol, Newcastle, Kristiansund
01.01.64 06.11.68 4 British Eagle Heathrow, Glasgow, Dublin, Newquay, Ostend, Cork
01.04.76 28.10.78 2 British Airways Heathrow, IoM, Belfast, Dublin (when Cambrian/BAS absorbed back into BA)
29.10.78 31.10.82 21 British Midland Heathrow, Belfast, IoM, Jersey (ended 10.99), Dublin, Brussels, Frankfurt (& Heathrow again 31.10.88- 28.03.92)
03.08.81 13.07.84 3 Genair Gatwick, Amsterdam, Norwich, Newquay, Leeds, Coventry
01.11.82 27.03.04 22 Manx/CitiExpress IoM, Belfast, Heathrow, Dublin, Stansted
26.05.88 current 33+ Ryanair Dublin. Other dests from 31.03.05: Barcelona, Malaga, Krakow, Cork, Knock, Derry, Alicante etc
27.10.97 current 24+ EasyJet Amsterdam, Nice, Alicante, Belfast, Faro, Geneva, IoM, Jersey, Madrid, Malaga, Palma, Rhodes etc
07.12.04 current 17+ WizzAir Budapest, Warsaw, Katowice, Gdansk, Vilnius, Prague, Riga
10.02.05 04.02.20 15 FlyBe Belfast, IoM, Southampton, Jersey, Edinburgh, Exeter. (all routes ended 29.09.07). Isle of Man restored
30.03.08 and Belfast City and summer season Newquay added since. Reduced to just IoM before airline
ceased operations.
15.12.14 .22 7+ Blue Air Bucharest, Bacau, Cluj Napoca. Aircraft based from 26.03.17 incl Rome, Hamburg, Larnaca, Alicante. Routes
cut back from 03.18
23.03.24 Jet 2 Multiple destinations There are many more airlines that readers may feel are contenders for inclusion, such as BKS/Northeast/BAS, Channel, EuroManx, Emerald, Air Wales or Euroceltic. Commuter operators such as Air Ecosse, JEA, Air Anglia, Mercury, Dragon, Keenair, Telair, Community Express, Lakeside, ATS Vulcan, Air Corbiere, Air Wales, Eastern Airways and more recently CSA, Norwegian and Vueling - in my opinion fall outside 'dominant' status, although some were important for developing new destinations. Genair is the only 'Commuter airline' to make it into the listing due to both their network of routes and being based at Liverpool. Loganair is a current candidate to watch as a future candidate for inclusion (from 12.02.20) with services in 2021 to both Isle of Man and Northern Ireland, but don't count yet as Manx 2, EuroManx and Emerald never proceeded further than a couple of route. While Britannia (with a Boeing 757) and Monarch (with a Boeing 757 or Airbus A.320) did base an aircraft for the summer season for Inclusive Tour Charters, they did not offer scheduled services, just limited availabilty 'seat only' sales. Jet2 will count as the terms of seat sales is very different from 20 years earlier. LONG-HAUL, TRANSATLANTIC OPERATIONS FROM LIVERPOOL
Inaugural Ended Airline Destinations served, with some notes
09.05.84 29.09.84 Wardair Toronto, via Newcastle - all by Douglas DC-10-30
01.05.96 16.10.96 Monarch Sanford, Florida - an Inclusive Tour series for Direct Holidays - all by Boeing 757-200
07.05.07 28.10.07 FlyGlobespan Toronto, New York/JFK (from 25.05.07). Also operated Tenerife 01.11.06-30.03.07 - mostly by Boeing 757-200
23.10.15 05.01.17 Aer Lingus Marketed USA destinations connections via Dublin, where US Immigration was processed.
NON-BRITISH AIRLINES ON SCHDEULED PASSENGER SERVICES INTO LIVERPOOL
Inaugural Ended Airline Destinations served, with some notes
01.06.34 31.08.39 KLM Amsterdam via Hull, Doncaster or Ringway (summer only)
14.09.36 14.04.44 Aer Lingus Dublin (with breaks due to summer only operations and then wartime restrictions),
08.09.44 14.01.90 Aer Lingus Dublin (includes Aer Lingus Commuter) & onward connections to USA. Belfast ('48/49), Cork
09.05.84 29.09.84 Wardair Toronto, via Newcastle
26.05.88 current Ryanair Dublin. Other dests from 31.03.05 eg Barcelona, Malaga, Reus, Krakow, Cork, Knock, Derry, Faro, Alicante
04.01.94 12.11.94 VLM London City & onwards to Rotterdam
15.09.03 28.01.04 JetMagic Cork
23.02.04 29.06.07 VLM London City & onward connections
21.06.04 01.10.06 Aer Arann IoM, Knock, Galway
31.10.04 25.06.06 Aer Lingus Dublin
07.12.04 current WizzAir Budapest, Warsaw, Katowice, Gdansk, Bucharest, Vilnius
04.05.07 02.09.07 Air Malta Malta (earlier Air Malta summer series eg '96 & '97 had been inclusive Tour charters)
29.03.09 24.03.12 KLM Amsterdam & worldwide connections
05.04.13 28.03.14 Norwegian Copenhagen & onward connections
15.12.14 .22 Blue Air Bucharest, Bacau, Cluj Napoca. From 23.03.17 based an a/c overnight for Rome, Hamburg, Milan, Alicante.
17.07.15 24.10.16 Czech Prague, summer season flights, actual seasonal ops: 17.07.15-12.10.15 and 28.03.16-24.10.16.
23.10.15 05.01.17 Aer Lingus Dublin, with onward connections to USA
25.03.16 28.10.16 Vueling Barcelona
19.08.18 01.05.20 Wideroe Bergen, initially twice weekly. Long winter season, early August to mid May. Service ended with the pandemic
28.10.19 16.03.20 Lauda Vienna. Service ended with Coronavirus pandemic.
Wideroe Bergen (seasonal). Service suspended with Coronavirus pandemic.
Lufthansa Frankfurt
flyPlay Keflavik (seasonal)
.05.23 Aer Lingus Dublin
Dan Air Bacau
Think I have all covered but have just noticed that Euroceltic (served Waterford & Luton 2001/2002) not on the list, but are in the footnote to an earlier list, whoops. Investigating ... Waterford based, UK registered a/c, likely why I discounted them when compiling the list in 2013.
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Post by ronturner on Aug 26, 2017 8:18:50 GMT 1
Interesting stuff which is going to be a reference bookmark for me rather than a "read".
Thanks.
ron
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Post by viscount on Aug 26, 2017 9:31:13 GMT 1
Thanks Ron, I had intended to state in the introduction that my thinking in producing these tables, is that they could be potential appendices in any future Liverpool Airport History Book and act as a check-list for data included in the text. They are not intended to be a 'read' in their own right, though are a reminder of some of the events and carriers and their influence on Liverpool Airport which might otherwise fade from the memory.
I have all sorts of ideas for lists and articles, however they do take time, indeed some have been sat in box slowly accumulating data for 15 or so years eg The IoM connection route story, the 'Spokes from Speke' years, anniversary lists etc. Likely to remain there for a while too, as in the next few months I'll be busy posting more annual visiting aircraft logs covering around 15 years 1950-1959 and 1967-1971 to add to the annual lists for 1960-1966 already covered. Anyone with photos from the 50s, 60s and into the early 70s is encouraged to get them out and scanned as they do make each year's information so much more accessible once illustrated.
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Post by viscount on Feb 13, 2018 15:46:13 GMT 1
BUILDING DEVELOPMENTS ON THE 'SOUTH AIRFIELD' 1966-1983 The new runway, on the site of former agricultural land to the south of the original 1930s airfield, was constructed 1965-1966 and came into service early May 1966. A number of professional black & white prints 'throw-outs' have been in our possession since the late 1980s. They illustrate aspects of the important dates post, so may well be of more than passing interest to some. Following on from the 1982 Papal visit thread, this is another airport nostalgia (nearly) without any aircraft images! THE 1966 WEATHER STATIONDue to the remote (from the existing ATC tower) location of the new runway 10/28, to the south side, around mid-point a Meteorological Station was built. Constructed with plate glass windows, varnished wood, chrome and plastic - in line with the 'futuristic, modern' feel of the times; as time went by it's condition suffered from battering salt-laden winter (and summer too!) gales. It was a lonely place for the Assistant ATC on duty there, with the wind whistling around the corners, draughty and on misty dark nights spookely forbidding. From the remote Met building, half hourly 'met' reports were telephoned to the Briefing Office in the North terminal (just as they would be later from the "New" Tower to the Briefing Office in the South Terminal. The Assistant in the Briefing Office then transmitted them to the Comms Centre at Heathrow. When the ATC VCR 'tower' was built on the north side of the (by now) 27/09, the building no longer had a purpose, fell into disuse, disrepair and boarded up, but protected within the perimeter security fencing. In 2018, some 36 years since last used for its intended purpose it is still there, boarded up, decayed but not derelict as it has found a different purpose - as the elevated support for a number of aerials.    All 3 are professional John Mills Photography glossy near A4 size photographs. When the new long runway came into use in 1966 there were grand plans to have a new terminal, VCR and Fire Station constructed on the south (river) side of the 10/28 within a few years. The political will within Liverpool City Council to invest in the airport infrastructure evaporated, and at times in the early/mid 1970s the whole future of the Airport was in doubt. With the creation of new boundaries and new political authorities, the Airport became the responsibility of Merseyside County Council around 1977, and they set about improving the infrastructure, to enable future growth. This entailed cost-cutting, which resulted in the closure of the International Terminal within Hangar 2 (June '83) and closing the 'North Airfield' runways (31st March 1982). The actual progression of the complete move from 'North Airfield' to 'South Airfield' eventually took near 34 years, 1966-2000, although mostly completed in a 6 year period, 1981-1986. First of the new buildings on the 'South Airfield' were a new VCR (Visual Control Room) atop a new control tower and adjacent fire station, 1982 NEW CONTROL TOWER, VCR and FIRE STATION  Ceremonially 'breaking ground' to mark the start of construction of the new Control Tower, 24th November 1981 - in rather bleak weather conditions. Both John Mills Photographs.   Steel frame construction, before walls and cladding added. Both John Mills photographs, but undated.    The interior was constructed, walls, stairwells and lift shafts before the exterior cladding was added. Sue Ashcroft's father's photos, however the date on the back conflicts with my dates, as the second interior construction is labelled 7th November 1981, the poorly lit cladded shot 10th March 1982.   The externally completed structure, dated 25th July 1982, while the contractor's fencing was still in place as interior work and fitting out was still in progress. Photo credit: Sue Ashcroft's father.  Ceremony to mark the opening of the new facility, 26th October 1982. The plaque names some of those in the photograph: Councillor Robert Foulkes, Chairman MCC, Councillor John King, Chairman Airport Committee (both seen shaking hands), but also James Robb City Architect and Unit Construction the Main Contractors. But who is who? No photo credit.   The new VCR came into full use during November 1982. Likely around this time two publicity shots featuring the Airport Director, Rod Rufus sat at the new ATC consoles in the VCR. Photographer unnamed. This VCR and control tower was used by ATC between November 1982 and January 2002, when replaced by a new, taller structure to the south of the 27/09 runway. While the glass VCR today has no regular use other than to support many aerials for various airport operators, the lower floors are occupied by the RFFS Station which remains next door in full use. TEMPORARY VCR TOWER 1982 Although construction of the new tower had commenced, the contract for providing ATC cover was up for renewal on 1st April 1982. As the contract called for ATC provision from the South Airfield, so IAL (who replaced the CAA as ATC providers) opted for a temporary structure on scaffolding alongside 27/09 while the new building was competed. This was used from April to November 1982, and was quickly dismantled once the new VCR was opened. As accommodation it leaked, was too hot by day and draughty at night and creaked in strong winds! An ATC 'observer' was still stationed in the old (north airfield) tower for a while (until mid January 1984) to co-ordinate movement at through the link taxiway and night departures off 16. A Sue Ashcroft's father's photo. THE NEW AIRCRAFT HANDLING APRON - 1983Next came the construction of the initial concrete aircraft handling apron on an open site to the west of the Control Tower and RFFS building.   Thought to be the ceremonial cutting of the first sod, to mark the construction of the new apron on 28th January 1983. Certainly typical January weather, it would appear that the 'function' took place not on the location, but somewhat closer to the shelter provided by the new Control Tower! Top a David Jewel photograph, Cllr John King on the JCB a Daily Post & Echo Photo.    These shots are assumed to be the ceremonial 'cutting the ribbon' to mark the apron as ready for business. I don't have a date for this, other than 'Summer 1983' - but clearly a RAF Valley Hawk performed a go-around (or likely at the time referred to as an 'overshoot') on 27 as the photographer was just about to be given a lift back to the North Terminal. First commercial aircraft to be handled on the new concrete was a British Airways Concorde 24th September 1983. Regular use by freight aircraft (mostly at night) commenced with the opening of the Royal Mail bag sorting centre on 9th January 1984. Airbus Guppy fights collecting A.300 and A.310 wing sets also used the new apron. The b&w David Jewel photographer, the colour ones unnamed. In the final shot the Met. Station (by then closed and boarded-up) which is where this post started out, can be seen on the other side of the runway. THE 1986 NEW 'SOUTH AIRFIELD' PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING. Ceremony to 'cut the first turf' of the construction was held on 25th February 1985. For political reasons (due to the imminent disbanding of the MCC) the opening ceremony was on 26th March 1986 while the building was still being fitted-out. The terminal and all passenger functions moved into the Terminal overnight and services commenced on 28th April 1986. FUEL FARMAn airfield function, vital for smooth operation once all flights moved to the 'south Airfield' was the provision of fuel. The new 'fuel farm' was opened for use on 19th November 1985, at the end of an access road to the west of terminal. I don't have any shots to illustrate the building of the initial 1986 passenger terminal on the south airfield, or the 2002 terminal around it, nor indeed the new tall VCR and control tower 2001/2002- do you? |
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Post by viscount on Feb 15, 2018 9:37:03 GMT 1
IMAGES OF THE AIRPORT LAYOUT AND RUNWAYS It has been clear since I entered the post themed on the development of runways, rather than passenger facilities, that the subject needed illustrating. I've been hunting out prints accumulated over the years and hope that they are of interest. The majority are near A4 size professional b&ws, however the clearest is that in colour. None are dated, however there are sufficient clues to bring the date down to within a few years for each one. There are 3 1940s (and 1 circa 1970) aerial photos of the Airport on page 2 of another thread, direct link: derbosoft.proboards.com/thread/26816/old-negatives?page=2. I'll compose fairly detailed captions pointing out the changes that date each image.
I've no doubt that this post is one members will return to time and again to examine and compare the images closely.IMAGE ONE A - circa 1947 This English Heritage held photo shows Liverpool Airport in 1947. The three wartime laid-down runways are clearly evident, while the terminal apron is being significantly widened and the entrance/exit at both ends modified. IMAGE ONE B - circa 1960 A somewhat dark image, with industrial smoke haze and surface damage to the print. There is no Photography Studio or other details on the reverse. Certainly no earlier than 1958 as the clear runway markings show that is shortly after the 1957/58 rebuild of 26/08 (right to left) and the short cross-runway 35/17. The third original wartime runway 04/22 can be made out, but is unmarked having been closed in 1958. Also on zoom I can make out that the Starways hangar built at the 22 end (over to the right of the terminal) is in use, and was completed summer 1958. The photo is no later than early 1961 as changes visible on the next image have not been made yet been started. Of interest, note the road pattern camouflage painted on the roof of the former Rootes wartime aircraft, by 1960 Dunlop's, factory in the foreground. Throughout the '60s I can remember clear camouflage patterns in shades of green paint on the side walls too, fading as time progressed. IMAGE TWO - circa 1962 A much clearer, but undated, John Mills professional print also taken from the south. Most likely taken during 1962. Why? Well the 1961/62 work to extend the river end of 08 by 500ft, along with a new taxiways both at that end, and between the apron and the 26 end have been constructed, and the apron itself re-laid in concrete strips during 1962. However the further two Starways hangars beside Speke Boulevard built in 1963 have yet to be started. The site of what was to become in 1965/66 the construction site of the new 10/28 runway is still pristine farm land with crops and woodland. The deliberate confusion of the wide roads painted on the factory is clear, as are the railway sidings between Speke Boulevard and the main London line. Garston Docks are clear, as is the Bryant and May factory just beyond the 17 threshold IMAGES THREE to NINE - Second half of the 1960sImages 3 to 9 are all stamped Photoflex Photography, 3 and 4 likely all taken on the same flight, while 5 to 9 likely commissioned by G Percy Trentham (image 9 has a copyright claim to G Percy Trentham written on the back) on another flight several years later. As the new runway is close to completion, the link taxiway and associated developments on the north airfield near completion, photos 3 and 4 must be winter 1965/66, likely around January-March 1966, as construction was completed and runway opened in May 1966. Photos 5 to 9 a few years later as on one shot the 1968 extension to No.1 hangar is clear, while on photo 9 the vegetation has clearly re-established, covering all the construction disturbance. IMAGE THREE Looking down on what is now the 'north airfield', clearly showing the original runway pattern from the west. Runway 08 is in the foreground and the 1961/62 taxiway past No.39 hangar is very clear. The three' finger' apron extensions are under construction, with two complete and showing pristine white concrete, the third still being laid-down. All were complete by May. IMAGE FOUR This photo clearly shows the extended airfield layout, with north and south airfields. This view is from the north-west, from overhead Garston. The 'finger apron' extensions can be picked out, while in the foreground is the Western Apron with sideways 'P' created by different surfaces around the WWII compass swinging circle. The changes are on the far side of the airfield. Runway 17 has been extended considerably to connect with the curved 'link' taxiway, which is still being laid. Beyond that is the 'south airfield' and 10/28 in the final stages of construction and landscaping. IMAGES FIVE and SIX A view along the length of 26 taken from the Speke end, Speke Hall Avenue is just below the bottom edge of the image. The disused 04/22 and the cross-wind runway 17/35 can be seen clearly as they cross 26/08. It is clear how close the 08 end is to the river.  The opposite view, this of the 08, river end, of the same runway looking towards Speke with the terminal over on the left edge of the image. IMAGES SEVEN and EIGHT The 17 end of the north airfield cross-wind runway, looking to the south from over Bryant & Mays. Banks Lane is just off the bottom edge of the photo - the 'X' markings are on taxiways to 08 closed in 1961. The new 'link' taxiway can be seen extending from the runway, while the new runway 09 gantries can be seen extending out into the river  The opposite end, 35, looking from the south towards Garston from over Speke Hall. The Airport terminal is over to the right of the far end of the runway. The 1968 extension to the side of No.1 hangar is clear, while on the main apron the three 'fingers' are discernable, so before circa 1971, when two were combined into a single wide 'finger'. IMAGE NINE - later 1966 or 1967 As this image, in addition to the Photoflex Photography stamp is marked copyright G Percy Trentham (who constructed the new runway) it is likely later in 1966, or maybe 1967, once the grass surface alongside the new, long, 28/10 runway had grown and been cut. Certainly before February 1972 as with magnification the '28' lettering can be made out. A great view down the pristine bright new runway. Right on the lower edge of the image the plant nursery greenhouses right under 10 finals can be made out. The foundations can still be found in places in the scrub under the approach, just south of the runway lighting today - behind what was once the spotters 'mound' (now flattened). Indeed just visible, there are cottages on what became the 'mound'. IMAGE TEN - 1970 This image is dated circa 1970 and I cannot see any reason why it isn't. This image started life as an A3 printed sheet supplied in a 'Liverpool Airport 1933-1983, Resource Pack for Schools' with maps, short history, aircraft photos, timetable etc. The photo was folded down the middle and member ·Radiostation X' has done a good job of getting rid of the pulls and tears along a vertical central crease line. The photo must have been taken shortly before two of the 3 'finger' aprons were combined during 1971 into one large enough to turn a Boeing 707 sized aircraft onto and off. Compare with the following photo. Just 2 Viscounts can be made out on the main apron. IMAGE ELEVEN - first half 1970s, but after 1971 This charming image 5" square image has no photographer or date stamp. A sharp and clear image so maybe professional, possibly just a great snap from an aircraft en route into Manchester, who cares, as I think this is a absolutely classic shot of Liverpool Airport during the two airfields phase 1966-1986. The dating to the first half of the 1970s is due to two of the 'finger' aprons being combined in 1971 to enable Boeing 707 sized aircraft to turn under their own power to park. With zoom magnification there are two Cambrian Viscounts on the apron in their orange top scheme which first appeared in 1971 and ended during 1976 on repaint into BA white tops. Compare the extent of the railway sidings with photo 3. IMAGE TWELVE - sometime 1970s This Elsam, Mann and Cooper Photography print has nothing of the quality of the previous shots. Taken from over the river of the, likely by then, 09 end of the new runway. The change in magnetic heading being made in February 1972, but even on zoom I cannot find the heading numbers on the concrete. There is a Viscount having landed 27, taxiing just to the right (as the pilot would see it) of the centreline about to leave for the link. Rather a conflict of traffic if the Viscount had called a 'missed approach and go-around', but no doubt ATC had both crews well briefed. The Viscount gives little clue as to the date, I fancy anytime 70s, but certainly pre 1981 as there is no sign of construction of the new VCR to the north of the parallel taxiway. It has occurred to me while composing this post that I must have newer images of the south airfield, I'll add a few later today if I get the time, or tomorrow if I don't! Well it actually took over 3 years - done now though. |
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Post by viscount on Feb 16, 2018 10:16:42 GMT 1
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Post by viscount on Aug 21, 2021 9:38:05 GMT 1
Another thread that I'm 'bumping up' from way down in the index pages as the images have all been replaced.While the initial posts on this thread are lists of historical fact, the building construction shots may be of interest, while I'm sure there is much to find and observe in the aerial shots of the airport over the past 70 years, which have now been brought a little more upto date.  July 2005 and work on construction of industrial units is just commencing on the former north airfield site. Work on the conversion of the terminal into a Hotel for the Marriott Group, No.1 hangar for David Lloyd and No.2 Hangar as Skyways House for the Littlewoods Group are already complete. While over to the right the flats have been constructed on the former Fire Station yard and the part circular Burger Restaurant toughly where the petrol station once stood. This shot is as the SAHG 'Speke Air Fair' packs away on the apron. This before the delivery of the Britannia or Avro 748 to the site. There is a Police helicopter on the apron, while the Dragon Rapide can be seen in front of the hotel entrance. While much has gone, the remains of the two 'finger aprons can be made out, a section of taxiway from the apron to runway 17 (shortly before last use changed to 16) and a narrow slice of that runway can be traced. The bases of Hangars 3 and 4 can be just made out beyond the rear of Hangar 1. The remains of the perimeter track down towards the river are not very clear and the 35 end remains are just off the left photo edge.    A series of approach shots, landing 09 in May 2005 being flown in a Schweicher 269c helicopter. The main apron shot made possible as the approach was held high to land at the 27 end, so only a short hover onto the GA apron.   Turning onto a landing on 27 July 2011 in a Tomahawk. In the period between these shots, runway 27/09 was resurfaced winter 2006/2007 - the immediate visual difference being along the edges of the runway.  In July 2015 on approach to 09, looking across the old 'north' airfield site now covered with industrial units, however the hangar 1, the former terminal and control tower and hangar 2 can be made out. Runway 26/08 would have run from somewhere in the upper center of photo to just above the lower right corner with no traces left.  With telephoto extended a some cropping the Crowne Plaza Hotel/former Airport terminal and No.2 Hangar, plus the aircraft of the Speke Airport Heritage Group can be clearly seen. Hangar 1 (David Lloyd) is off the photo to the left. The retail park is very clear at the top of the picture the other side of Speke Boulevard.  Also July 2015 a view from the runway towards the terminal buildings with the 2002 building wrapped around the white roof of the 1986 building and portacabin departure gate additions extended to the left (westwards). The Hampton hotel rises beyond the terminal.
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