Edinburgh Airport still soaring high after 100 years

SCOTLAND'S busiest airport continues to enjoy sky-high passenger numbers as it celebrates its 100th birthday.

The early days of Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport began life on March 2 1916 as a Royal Flying Corps aerodrome named Turnhouse and was a key military base for the remainder of the First World War.

In 1947, when it began operating as a civilian airport, just 7,000 people flew from Edinburgh. The British Airports Authority (BAA) took over ownership in April 1971.

Initial stages of the redevelopment began two years later and the terminal building, designed by Sir Robert Matthew, was officially opened by the Queen on May 27, 1977.

Edinburgh Airport in her early years

BAA sold Edinburgh Airport to Global Infrastructure Partners in April 2012 and the airport has since experienced increasing growth, with passenger traffic reaching a record level in 2015 of 11.1 million.

Airport chief executive Gordon Dewar said: “Today is a landmark date as we set out our plans in the months ahead to celebrate 100 years of air travel at Edinburgh Airport.

“How time flies when you’re having fun. “Although clearly focused on delivering future growth at Edinburgh Airport we have a rich and long history here, and we aim to involve as many people as possible in celebrating this great centenary story.”

Edinburgh Airport today

He added: “Our passengers and adults and kids in the local community will be invited to get involved as we offer limited edition giveaways, host competitions and hold a major party to come in the months ahead.”

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