Liverpool airport History

Liverpool Airport is one of the countries oldest that is still in operation. Located 7 miles south-east of Liverpool the airport started scheduled flights in 1930 however the official opening of Liverpool Airport was in 1933. The success of these flight led to the need for a new control tower and passenger terminal as well as hangars for the storage of aircraft. These were built in the late 1930's but operations using these new facilities were cut short after the outbreak of World War 2.

During the war Liverpool Airport was requisitioned by the RAF for military purposes and was known as RAF Speke. In addition to the strategic importance of the area many aircraft were constructed at the airport to assist with the war effort. Aircraft such as the Handley Page Halifax, Bristol Blenheim, P-51 Mustang and Hudson were all constructed at RAF Speke.

After the war Liverpool Airport was handed back to civilian control and in 1966 the construction of a new runway was completed which is still in operation to this day. The original 1930's terminal was replaced in 1986 with a new modern version that sat adjacent to the runway with the old terminal famous in 1960's film for screaming Beatles fans was closed and became derelict over the next decade. Eventually this was converted into the Marriott Liverpool South Hotel however retaining however its original historic form.

Liverpool Airport was privatised in 1990 and ownership passed to British Aerospace with a 76% share and as a result the airport became a subsidiary of Peel Holdings Ltd. In 2000 work began on a new passenger terminal at a cost of £42.5m, upon completion of this project in 2002 Liverpool Airport was capable of tripling its passenger throughput.

Further improvements have been made over the last few years to keep the airport modern and safe. It was also in 2002 that the airport changed its name to the Liverpool 'John Lennon' Airport as a tribute to the legendary singer/songwriter. The airport houses a 7ft bronze statue in the check-in hall and lyrics from Lennon's song 'Imagine' adorn the airport roof.

In 2005 the airport also added the 'Yellow Submarine' as a reference to one of The Beatles songs which can be seen on the traffic island when entering the airport.