Liverpool Airport 1930's.

[DougB]

Although this appears to be my first posting, it is not - just unable to remember my previous log on details sadly. 

Recently, I have been on a none aircraft related forum and mention was made of the first passenger services to / from Merseyside. From 'limited' information I am able to gather, the first passenger service from Liverpool (Speke) Airport was in 1930, three years prior to the official opening of the airport? Another person (he/she could be on here) suggested that the first passenger service was from Hooton in the Wirral and this was in 1930 before they flew from Liverpool (Speke) in 1933? 

I am not doubting any info received so far but obviously there is conflicting info reading the above. So anyone be able to provide the correct information or at least point me in the right direction of a reputable source please? Thank You. 

[viscount]

Yes the first 'experimental' air service from Liverpool was operated during summer 1930 only. The service was operated by Imperial Airways as a 'feeder' for its services from Croydon and operated Croydon-Birmingham-Manchester-Liverpool from 16th June 1930 and used Armstrong Whitworth Argosy I aircraft. The service operated 3 times a week in each direction (northbound one day, southbound the next). When the service was withdrawn on 20th September 1930 a total of 601 passengers had been carried. Liverpool Aerodrome was licensed for private use in June 1930 and was the same site as officially opened in July 1933 as Liverpool Aerodrome.

Hooton Park was an aerodrome on Merseyside before Liverpool's at Speke. The Liverpool and District Aero Club was established at Hooton, then moved into purpose built premises at Liverpool Aerodrome in August 1934 when the lease ran out on their Hooton Park operation, although they had used the new aerodrome since 1930. Could be where the confusion over an operator using Liverpool before July 1933 arises from. First regular airline services from 2nd July 1933, although is was not until 1934 that passenger services really got established.

The first scheduled air service from Liverpool actually predates the airport. Between 24th September and 4th October 1928 an experimental mail and passenger service operated between Liverpool and Belfast. The service, operated by Imperial Airways used a Short Calcutta flying boat flying from the River Mersey.

I trust you have found the 1st July 1933 opening day air display report both on side 1 and again towards the end of the Liverpool Air Displays thread.

THE major publication on Liverpool Airport's history is by Phil Butler. His first book appeared in 1983 when published by the Merseyside Aviation Society. Incorporating much new research in 2004 'Liverpool Airport an Illustrated History' was published by Tempus. In 2008 a second edition by Tempus Publishing 'Liverpool John Lennon Airport, an Illustrated History' Phil Butler, 192 pages, ISBN 978 0 7524 4511 3. Anyone feel confident to commence research for the Centenary edition 1933-2033 in 10 years time?

[DougB]

Thank you for your informative reply, very much appreciated.

Reading your information and assuming I have read it correctly, it seems that the first passenger service (albeit experimental) was in 1930 for a few months from the site of Liverpool Speke Airport. After that, it was not until 1933 after official opening that further passenger flights operated? 

So with respect to Hooton Park, did any passenger flights operated from that site before 1933, especially pre 1930? It was interesting to read about the 'flying boat' service to Belfast, I never knew that so thank you. 

Strangely I did search every page of this section first before I posted my question but could not find anything obvious but will look at the Liverpool Air Displays thread for the opening day info. Thank You again.