FEATURE Liverpool Airport Overview
Wednesday 4th June 2008
This weeks airport overview will be taking a look at Liverpool Airport. Currently named after the legendary singer-songwriter John Lennon, the airport is one of the UK's oldest that is still in operation. It is located seven miles south east of Liverpool City and runs adjacent to the River Mersey. Unlike some airports such as Heathrow the original location chosen was excellent and still gives the airport benefits and flexibility today. This is without the constraints of a central-city location that can have a seriously detrimental effect on development and traffic levels.
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.
Airport Facilities
Liverpool Airport, like most UK airports have many facilities in place for passenger comfort. We have listed some of these below:
- Fast Lane facility for checking-in to ensure minimal waiting times
- Halewood Executive Lounge
- An exellent selection of eateries and retail outlets to while away the hours whilst waiting for your flight
- Prayer room for all faiths that has a reident chaplain on some occasions
- Booking Centre for future journeys
- Passenger information desk
- Conforence Suite (The Cavern Suite)
- Wi-fi internet access
- Left luggage facility for baggage and lost property
- Tourist Information
Disabled Facilities
Liverpool Airport have facilities in place to cater for disabled passengers, these include:
