London City Airport: 20 Years and Going Strong
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Early Years Learning Process
Some 133,000 passengers used the airport during 1988, its second year, but public transport to London City center was still inadequate. The airport launched its own riverboat service to help address the problems, but it was not a viable or successful long-term solution. The fledgling airport needed to attract jet service to attract the high yield businessman traffic, and this in turn necessitated a longer runway. On July 24, 1988, British Aerospace conducted a trial flight into London City using their then new BAe 146 jet, and the outcome would have positive long-term benefits. A poll conducted among local residents showed that 83% were in favor of allowing short runway capable jets like the BAe 146 to use the airport. As such, in October of 1989, the airport applied for permission for the runway to be extended to allow for jet operations, which was approved in 1991, by Secretary of State Michael Heseltine.
During 1989, Air France commenced Dash 7 services to Lille and Strasbourg, and Flexair commenced Dornier 228 flights to Rotterdam, and airport usage increased to 216,000 passengers. In 1990, passenger volumes increased to 230,000, but decreased to 172,000 due to the travel slowdown resulting from the Gulf War. On March 5, 1992, the Prince of Wales visited London City to commemorate the airport’s re-launch with an extended runway to the present 4980 feet, and the intended results were almost immediate. The business community in particular was finally convinced that London City could offer a convenient and reliable alternative to the inconveniences of using distant Heathrow.
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Investment Pays Off with Rewards and Growth
On March 30, 1992, Crossair launched BAe 146 service to Zurich, and by 1995, passenger numbers had surpassed the half a million mark! In 1997, the airport celebrated its tenth birthday with passenger volumes growing to 1.1 million, and the airport was again upgraded with a new departure lounge and refurbished international and domestic lounges, which incorporated new retail outlets. London City was showered with prestigious business travel awards and in 1997, was voted the UK's best regional airport. It was also in 1997, that London City generated significant flag carrier interest Sabena, Lufthansa Cityline, and Alitalia commencing scheduled services.
Sabena was the first airline to overnight their scheduled flights at London City. In 1998, passengers increased to 1.35 million and the car park was enlarged, and in 1999, the Jubilee underground line was extended out towards London City. London Bus services connected the airport to Canning Town for access to the London Underground to points beyond, which was not particularly convenient, and a lomg term solution was required, and planning commenced to for a future extension of the underground system out to London City.
London City’s emphasis on attracting business travelers was reinforced by a revamp of the airport's Business Center, which offers a wide range of facilities for those away from their desk. London City’s self-contained, all-purpose terminal is compact, efficient, and makes good use of space, providing all the comforts required of business travelers during their short transit visits through the facility.
Short check-in times help to create a relaxed atmosphere, and there are few airport terminals that not only offer a decent pre or post flight meal and drink with table service, but also offer a very pleasant and relaxing view across dockland waters. The terminal is not a shopper’s paradise, however tax and duty free outlets in the departure lounge offer and wide choice of goods.
British Airways Joins the Fray
In 2003, British Airways finally recognized the opportunity and commenced scheduled services and by year’s end were serving Edinburgh, Paris, Geneva and Frankfurt. It was also in 2003 that CityJet commenced service to Dublin, and construction began on the extension of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to London City, which was deemed a necessity to provide a convenient link between the airport and the London Underground system.
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