Celebrations for Newcastle International Airport’s 75th anniversary day announced
From a Royal visit to a menagerie of majestic aircraft arriving into Newcastle Airport, the anniversary promises to be an unforgettable day. A British Airways Jumbo Jet, Boeing 747-400, will land at Newcastle International in the morning of the 26th July, followed by an Emirates Boeing 777-300ER. Jet2.com and KLM will also play a part in the day.
The Airport is honoured to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester to the North East as he begins his visit to the region with a tour of the Airport. The visit will end with a small reception and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.
Dave Laws, the airport's chief executive, said: “This year is very special for Newcastle International as we reflect on our incredible history and take a positive look forward to an exciting future. We’re really proud of what is planned for the anniversary day itself. We are delighted that His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester has been able to take the time to join us, and the support we have received from our valued airline partners by them operating aircraft rarely seen at Newcastle is just incredible. We hope the people of the North East come and join us on the day. It’s their Airport after all.”
As well as bringing in their Jumbo Jet, British Airways will also display their Hot Air Balloon, which will be tethered on site. Michelle Murray, General Manager for BA’s UK regions, said, “Everyone at British Airways congratulates Newcastle Airport on reaching its 75th anniversary. We are delighted to be associated with the celebrations and to play our part in helping make it a truly memorable occasion for the airport and its staff, and for the people of Newcastle. Our Newcastle services are an important part of our domestic regional operation. The route not only carries thousands of business and leisure customers between Newcastle and London every year. It also provides vital international connections, through Heathrow Terminal 5, to hundreds of European and world-wide destinations, links that are absolutely vital to the economy of the north east of England in what is now a truly global market. We have developed a first class relationship with Newcastle International Airport, and we look forward to it continuing, to the benefit of the people and the economy of the region.”
Passengers travelling on Emirates’ daily Dubai service will be able to experience its state-of-the-art Boeing 777-300ER on this special day only. The two-class, 428-seat aircraft is one of 86 from the Boeing 777 family in service with the Emirates fleet worldwide. It features the airline’s innovative ice in-flight entertainment system with over 600 channels of on-demand entertainment. This aircraft is the longest to land at the airport in its 75 year history.
Laurie Berryman, Emirates’ Area Manager UK North, said: “Our Newcastle route is going from strength to strength, and we’re delighted to be able to celebrate the airport’s anniversary by operating a larger Boeing 777-300ER – the longest aircraft to touch down at Newcastle. We hope that we might be able to introduce a larger aircraft permanently in the future.”
Emirates passengers will be able to join in celebrations on the day as the airline will provide a special birthday cake and bucks fizz for them as they check-in. The airline sponsors the Emirates Tower – the Airport’s state-of-the-art air traffic control tower which opened in September 2007 a few days after the airline launched services from the airport.
On the first day of the Airport's existence in 1935, a Dragon Rapide airplane landed on North East soil at midday carrying the then Air Minister, Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister, who performed an opening ceremony. To replicate this event, an original vintage Dragon Rapide aircraft will land at 12pm before taking invited guests into the skies on pleasure flights throughout the afternoon. Philip Meeson, boss of Jet2.com, is the proud owner of the timeless Dragon Rapide aircraft. He said: “I am thrilled to see the Dragon Rapide land once again on the tarmac at Newcastle – it really is a fitting tribute to this tremendous milestone in the airport’s history. Jet2.com first established a base at the airport in 2005 and over the past 5 years we have had built up very strong relations with the whole team, enabling us to fly to 24 fantastic destinations and giving customers in the North East the full benefit of our friendly low fares. I look forward to the next 75 years of Jet2.com and Newcastle International Airport!”
A KLM B737 will arrive on its daily rotation from Amsterdam, sporting the airlines original 1930’s colour scheme. Henri Hourcade, General Manager Air France KLM, UK and Ireland, said: "The anniversary is a fantastic occasion for the region and our 1930s livery will give the occasion a real sense of nostalgia. KLM has been connecting the people of Newcastle to worldwide destinations since 1984, providing international travel from the comfort and convenience of a local airport, and we are extremely proud to have made such a strong contribution to the airport's success. Our commitment to our regional UK departure network continues to grow in strength and we certainly look forward to celebrating the Newcastle's next big milestone."
The week leading up to the anniversary day will include a number of special events, including the world renowned Sunderland International Airshow, which Newcastle International Airport is sponsoring. The airshow aircraft will be based at the airport whilst the display takes place at Seaburn. The RAF Harrier Jump Jet will perform a fly-past on the anniversary day over the lunchtime period.
Members of the public and aviation enthusiasts are invited to be part of the celebrations. Please see the information bulletin attached for details of the day and the location of a specially created public viewing area. The 75th anniversary of Newcastle International has been marked throughout the year and many more exciting events are to follow:
• At the beginning of the year an anniversary brand was commissioned;
• A ‘75th Anniversary’ Metro carriage was created to travel the length and breadth of Tyne and Wear on a daily basis;
• A commemorative book is being published in association with NCJ media;
• A travelling exhibition of archive photography and memorabilia is being mounted over the next few months. Details of locations and dates will follow shortly;
• Members of the Airport team will take part in a 75 mile bike ride from the original terminal for charity and manager, Eric Wrightson, will complete a 75 mile sponsored walk;
• A special Gala Dinner will be held in September for Newcastle International business partners and stakeholders; and
• At the end of the year a carol service will be held with the community in a local church.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
For all press enquiries regarding Newcastle International Airport, please contact Nicola Quinn on nquinn@newcastleinternational.co.uk.