Quays to the World

The world was already beating a path to the site of London City Airport long before Frank Whittle invented the jet engine and changed the face of aviation.

Ships and sailors first crowded the quays of London's Royal Docks bringing them a colourful international reputation. As one form of tranportation declined another less likely successor was to take its place. The bold initiative to develop London's Docklands as a business and commercial district prompted calls for an airport that would open a convenient door to the city. In 1981 a feasibility study was commissioned and the following year trial flights were carried out with small propellor-driven aircraft.

Five years later, in 1987, the first commercial service lifted off from the newly opened London City Airport.

In its early days the airport was weighed down by its own limitations - a short runway, slow aircraft, tedious journey times and traffic congestion on road links to the city. Planning permission to extend the runway was sought and approved and in 1992 the airport was relaunched.

The introduction of sophisticated and noise-friendly BAe 146 jet aircraft and improved road links marked a significant improvement in London City's fortunes. The business community in particular was at last convinced that here was a serious alternative to the inconveniences of using distant Heathrow.

By 1995 an expanding route network to Europe saw passenger numbers break the half million mark and new owners injected fresh energy into the operation. Within twelve months new airlines flying to an ever-increasing number of European destinations had made the airport an attractive proposition for people in a hurry.

London City was showered with prestigious business travel awards and in 1997 was voted the UK's best regional airport. 2000 saw passenger numbers go past the 1.5 million mark for the first time - a fitting way to celebrate the anniversary of a place which has long been a point of arrival and departure for passengers from across the world.