Gatwick Airport : A Premier, First-Class Airport
Gatwick airport is one of the most famous airports in the United Kingdom and Europe as a whole. It is the 8th largest (by passenger traffic) airport in Europe, and is one of the top 30 busiest airports in the world. It also has the single busiest runway in the world.
This airport was once a trans-continental powerhouse, but in recent years has focused on providing a transportation hub for European destinations in particular. Pretty all European airlines, as well as many airlines from elsewhere in the world, direct at least some of their aircraft through it.
Gatwick recently announced plans to expand their infrastructure with a one billion pound investment aimed at improving the visitor experience in terms of everything from access to aesthetics. Those responsible for running the airport feel that this investment will allow them to match, or even surpass, Heathrow airport, whose shadow it is has constantly had to exist under, in terms of amenities and passenger accessibility.
Though Gatwick has always been considered a ‘lesser’ airport than Heathrow, this is due to the merits of the latter rather than any shortcomings in the former. Indeed, Gatwick airport has a history that warrants more attention than it is generally given…
#1 – Advances in Architecture
In 1936, Gatwick unveiled the world’s first circular airport terminal, dubbed the Beehive. It was an extraordinary achievement, as it was the first terminal to combine literally every necessary stage of air travel. There was a rail link directly to the terminal, and for the first time passengers could directly board their aircraft instead of having to travel across the runway on foot or by bus. While passengers today might take the combined approach for granted, it all began at Gatwick and set the stage for future endeavors.
#2 – From Jockeys to Pilots
The site where Gatwick now stands used to be used for horse racing. It was temporarily home to the Grand National, which is one of the world’s most famous races. It was only when the Beehive opened that it finally lost its racing ties, as up until then Gatwick’s train station was called the Gatwick Racecourse Station.
#3 – Private Flying Club
Gatwick was not originally a public airport for major travel. In its early years, it was used as a home for a private flying club. The flying club that used it, which was the Surrey Aero Club, became so popular though, and brought so much attention to the airport, that it was soon granted a commercial flying license, which meant that members of the public could fly in and out of it.
#4 – World War II
During the second World War, all available resources had to be turned toward keeping Britain safe from the German Luftwaffe. Gatwick participated when it was requisitioned by the RAF as a combat airfield, and provided service to a number of important operations necessary to keeping England’s skies clear of bombers.
#5 – The Queen Of England
The Queen of England has twice graced Gatwick airport with her presence. Queen Elizabeth II first attended to re-open the airport after it underwent a major redevelopment in 1956, and she returned thirty years later with her husband Prince Phillip to preside over the opening of the new North Terminal.
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If you’ll be arriving in the UK via Gatwick Airport, and need a Gatwick car hire company, then visit http://www.gatwickcarhire.org.uk
