East Midlands airport History

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East Midlands Airport was originally used as an RAF station during the Second World War and was known as RAF Castle Donington. At the end of the conflict RAF Castle Donington was surplus to the military's requirements and was acquired by a local group of government authorities in 1946. The new airport named East Midlands Airport was officially opened in 1965 by Prince Phillip.The new East Midlands Airport boasted a 60ft taxiway, and a 5,850ft runway as well as providing ample parking for passengers cars.

Initially East Midlands Airport struggled, but with the emergence of deals that were to enhange its cargo flights the airport began to become profitable. In 1970 the decision was taken to increase the freight buildings in line with the increasing demand being placed upon the airport. At the same time improvements were made to the runway and terminal building which were followed in the late 1970's by more improvements in the same areas.

In 1986 East Midlands Airport opened a new £3 million terminal extension project in the presence of Princess Anne and in 1987 the airport became a public limited company. In 1993 the various shareholders in East Midlands Airport took the decision to move it into the private sector and in so doing East Midlands Airport became the first regional airport in the UK to ever do this.

East Midlands Airport was purchased for £24.3 million by the National Express group and then embarked on an ambitious £77 million development of the airport and its facilities. These improvements included runway extensions, a business park and hotels. In 2000 DHL - recognising the importance of cargo flights from East Midlands Airport - opened a new £35 million cargo centre at the airport.

In 2000 the National Expess Group sold East Midlands Airport to the Manchester Airport Group for £241 million and since this time passenger numbers have seen a healthy increase, as well as cargo flights going from strength to strength.