Exeter International Airport is soon to be celebrating the 70th anniversary of the first use of Exeter Airport with a 30 minute flight over the city by the Lord Mayor of Exeter in a de Havilland Dragon Rapide - a DH-89.
The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Norman Shiel will be embarking on the 30 minute flight above the city on May 11th. The de Havilland plane is nearly identical to that which was used for the 'opening' of the airport - a DH-86 Dragon. The first landing at the airport was on 10th May 1937 when an aircraft bought news of the Coronation. On May 31st the Mayor of Exeter was flown in a DH-86 to celebrate the 'opening' if the airport.
The Mayor's flight on May 11th will follow a champagne reception and other invited guests will fly in a DC-3 Dakota. During the Second World War, Dakota's held a cherished record operating from the airport in support of the D-Day invasion and then served as airliners for British Island Airways and F&S Mann Airways.
Stephen Ayres, spokesman for Exeter Airport, said that the celebrations are "a great way to mark the 70th year of the airport's founding and the vintage aircraft have already created a great deal of interest."
Exeter Airport was first licensed for public use in September 1937 and formally opened in July 1938. The airport was recently sold to Regional and City Airports and today takes passengers to destinations across Europe. For all the latest travel news and fantastic deals on airport parking and hotels, make it easy going - make it Holiday Extras.