Southampton Airport Business Growth

April 2007

Southampton Airport, research has revealed, is fast becoming considered by business travellers as a vital gateway to the region.

Flybe lounge and new routes

With a growing demographic of business travellers using the airport, Flybe have opened a new executive lounge. Flybe's executive lounge is equipped with all the latest computer and communication facilities for the busy executive on the move along with all the usual creature comforts.

The opening of the lounge coincides with Flybe launching 4 new routes from Southampton Airport after their recent acquisition of BA Connect. Flybe now offers new low cost flights to the Isle of Man, Frankfurt, Nice and Paris. The purchase of BA's loss making subsidiary, BA Connect, made Flybe Europe's largest regional airline - they now fly to 36 European destinations from Southampton Airport.

Humble beginnings

Southampton Airport's aviation history can be traced back to 1910. Pioneer pilot Eric Moon used the fields belonging to North Stoneham Farm for a take-off and landing spot for Moonbeam Mk II, his monoplane. 1917 saw the site requisitioned by the War Office and, when the US Navy arrived and realised the site's potential, work begun on building hangars.

An important aviation first took place at Southampton airport when, in 1936, the first test flights of the Supermarine Spitfire were conducted. In 2004 the event was commemorated with the unveiling of the sculpture of K5054 - the prototype Spitfire. The sculpture still stands at the entrance to the airport.

If you're flying from Southampton Airport on business or jetting off on holiday we offer a superb choice of Southampton Airport Parking all at low prices. Remember to check back with us for all the latest travel news.