Newcastle International Airport today launched a year of celebrations to mark its 75th anniversary with a flag-raising ceremony outside the front of the terminal and the unveiling of a special anniversary brand.
The flag, which bears the new anniversary logo, was raised by members of the airport’s board this morning.
Dave Laws, chief executive of Newcastle International said, “2010 will be a very special year for Newcastle International as we reflect on our incredible history and also look forward to an exciting future. The heritage of this airport, and the role it has played in the development of the North East region through the decades, is very important to all of us here.
“To celebrate this landmark, we have a wide range of events and activities planned. We will be releasing a commemorative book, which is being produced by the Newcastle Chronicle and Journal, and an exclusive exhibition of archive film, photography and memorabilia will be on display at Newcastle City Library, with the possibility of a touring exhibition around other libraries during the summer months.
“On the anniversary day itself, 26 July, a number of our airline partners will be marking the occasion by operating aircraft rarely seen at Newcastle, which we hope will appeal to aviation enthusiasts and the general public alike.
“The airport’s management team will also take part in a 75-mile walk in support of our nominated charity, the NSPCC. The walk will start from the original terminal building and take in some of the sights of the North East. There are many of us who will need to start training in earnest right now!”
To mark the anniversary in style, Newcastle International will be the official sponsor of the Sunderland Airshow in July. A special Gala Dinner will also be held in September.
Rasmus Christiansen, chief executive of Copenhagen International, said, “On behalf of Copenhagen Airports I would like to congratulate Newcastle Airport on the start of its 75th Anniversary year. Copenhagen Airports became a shareholder in Newcastle in May 2001, and since then our partnership with the other Local Authority shareholders has gone from strength to strength. We have been delighted with the investment we made and have seen, through working with the Airport management and our Local Authority partners, what the Airport means to the North East region. These are challenging times for aviation but we look forward to working with the team to deliver a bright future for Newcastle Airport.
Councillor Iain Malcolm, leader of South Tyneside Council, said, "Newcastle International Airport is one of our major transport links and plays a key role in the regeneration and reputation of our region. The 75th anniversary is a time to reflect on how successful the airport has been both as a business in its own right that has grown from very modest beginnings; and as a fantastic regional resource which supports our local communities, including regional businesses and commerce, by providing fast and efficient transport links to key airports in this country and internationally.
"The partnership between the seven local authorities in the region with Copenhagen Airport has contributed to the success of Newcastle International Airport and we are confident we can work together to ensure that Newcastle International's success and growing reputation as one of the most popular and successful airports in Europe is maintained and developed".
Cllr Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council said, "I am delighted to join our partners in celebrating such a milestone. The airport continues to play a vital role in bringing passengers to the North East, helping to boost the economy and tourism whilst also helping to promote the region to travellers from other areas of the country and those from across the world.
“Durham County Council are proud to share in this tremendous achievement, as the airport continues to grow despite the current economic climate and the challenges faced by those in the aviation industry."
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Landmarks in the airport’s history:
26 July 1935 - Newcastle Airport was opened on 26 July 1935 by Secretary of State for Air, Sir Phillip Cunliffe-Lister. The airport cost £35,000 to build and consisted of a grass runway, clubhouse, hanger, workshops and a garage.
1952 – Jim Denyer was appointed Airport Commandant, then Manager, establishing himself as the driving force behind the development of the airport until his retirement in August 1989 after an incredible 37 years in charge.
1950s - The 1950s saw the start of package holidays, with 'exotic' trips to Isle of Man, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands becoming available from Newcastle Airport.
April 1963 - A new North East Regional Airport Committee was formed, paving the way for major development. The new committee, comprising the local authorities of Newcastle, Gateshead, South Shields, Northumberland, Durham, Tynemouth and Sunderland, shifted the fundamental nature of the airport, making it a springboard for regional development.
17 February 1967 – A new terminal was officially opened by Prime Minister Harold Wilson.
1960s - The 1960s saw a boom in foreign sunshine holidays, especially to Spain. Within six years passenger figures had doubled to 700,000 per year.
1970s - The arrival of jet aircraft triggered major expansion in the package holiday market. The first wide-bodied jumbo jet landed from America with a party of 380 people onboard.
1980 - The airport reached the milestone of 1 million passengers per year. New terminal expansion plans were completed, delivering improved check-in, lounges, catering and duty free facilities.
1991 - Nexus constructed an extension to the Metro system linking Newcastle Airport to the city and beyond, dramatically improving access to the airport.
26 May 1994 - An extended and improved terminal building was opened by the Princess Royal.
October 2000 - A major £27 million terminal extension to double the size of the check in hall was officially opened by Prime Minister Tony Blair. Passenger figures had now reached 3 million per year.
4 May 4 2001 - The seven local authority share holders sold 49 per cent of the shares in the Airport Company to Copenhagen Airports, paving the way for an unprecedented period of growth
March 2003 - The skies turned orange over the region with the arrival of easyJet to Newcastle Airport. This hugely significant event heralded the start of the low-cost revolution in the North East.
August 2004 - Ant and Dec open the latest terminal extension, which doubled the size of the departure lounge and provided a wide range of new shops, services, restaurants and cafes.
2005 - Newcastle International became the fastest growing regional airport in the UK, as passenger figures topped 5 million per year.
1 September 2007 - Newcastle International secured its first ever scheduled long-haul route with Emirates Airline, flying daily direct from Newcastle to Dubai. The service quickly became Emirates’ best performing new route in the UK.
8 September 2007 – The airport’s new state-of-the-art £8m air traffic control tower was opened by Rt Hon Nick Brown MP and the president of Emirates Airline, Tim Clark. At 45 metres tall, the Emirates Tower is over twice the height of the Angel of the North.
July 2008 - Newcastle International acquired Samson Aviation Services Ltd, the private aviation business located on the south side of the airport site. The deal formed part of Newcastle International’s wider plans to redevelop the entire south side of the airport site. The acquisition also brought the original 1930s airport terminal building back under the airport’s ownership.