CITY AIRPORT (BARTON) CELEBRATES ITS 90TH BIRTHDAY TODAY AS IT CONTINUES SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS

It was once in the running to become Manchester's main airport, over the years it has seen Vulcan Bombers and Red Arrows adorn its skies to the delight of thousands of onlookers, today it is home to Greater Manchester Police's eyes in the skies as well as the lifesaving and indispensable North West Air Ambulance, ready to take to the air in a matter of minutes to fly to the aid of those who need it most. 

Salfords very own airport will be celebrating its 90th Birthday later this month on Wednesday 29th of January and you are invited to come along between 3-5pm to join in the celebration and raise a free glass of Proscecco to the old girl, you can even grab a slice of very special Birthday cake too.

First construction started on the site in 1928 as the region needed an aerodrome to replace the temporary one located in Whythenshawe. It was in January 1930 that the now iconic grass airstrips and hangers were completed with passenger flights taking off later that same year as the regal sounding Imperial Airways operated its thrice-weekly services to London via a stop off in Birmingham for tea and refuelling. 

It was not until three years later that construction on its control tower and wireless station were completed, one of the first in the country to actively communicate with aircraft and 90-years-later it is thought to be one of the oldest surviving and still operating towers in Europe.

Over the years it has seen the ravages of war, a major part of the battle of Britain as the site was requisitioned for repairs and overhaul of the planes tasked with protecting our skies. It has also seen loss after the crew of the last air worthy Dehavilland Mosquito suffered a power loss during a turn at the once annual airshow, sadly crashing to the ground resulting in the complete loss of the crew.

It has also seen loss of another kind after the Lancashire Aero Club departed in 2007 due to a dispute over the new owners Peel Holdings who bought the land and buildings from Manchester City Council a few years before. The Club had been stationed at the field since 1946 and it was with great sadness to see them go.

It was once considered as a candidate for our regional airport, only missing our by a small margin to Ringway Aerodrome which went on to expand into what is now Manchester Airport. Some would argue that this was a good thing as it would have irrevocably altered the area for the worst, its now protected Mosslands would have been devastated. Some - including ourselves think it is perfect just the way it is.

Despite numerous refurbishments the aerodrome now renamed to City Airport (Manchester) has retained its quaintness, its now grade ii listed tower still looms over the trees along Liverpool Road in Barton and the old hangers have been refurbished and given a whole new lease of life. It even has a newly renovated and much used popular Cafe Bar, known as the Airport Lodge, a regular provider of food, drink & great entertainment in the area.

Last year the airport hosted a drive-in cinema for those lucky enough to secure free tickets and over recent years it has recommenced its increasingly popular family fun days and charity 'Fly In' events. It even hosts an annual fireworks display, although, the 2019 display had to unfortunately be called off due to the absolutely abysmal weather which had left the ground completely sodden.

Barton has survived and flourished in a world in which many similar sized aerodromes have failed, it has done so by retaining its character, whilst at the same time exploring new boundaries and taking advantages of new local and regional needs.

It truly is a much loved part of our city and we are sure it will endure and keep on flying high for Salford for many many years to come.

As the airport turns 90, there will be members of the team to welcome visitors and well-wishers with talks and shared memories of the sites rich history as well as its plans for the future. There will be a gallery full of rare photos of times gone by as well as fun raffles and various prizes up for grabs. 

So stick the 29th of Jan in your calendar and set your heading to Barton.

Photos: SM