London Airport (1949)

The story of a great engineering feat - the building, at Heathrow, of one of the largest airports in the world. April 1944, Great Western Aerodrome started its transformation from a privately owned small grass airfield to Heathrow. One of the world's busiest airports. London's main civil airport replacing Croydon Airport.

The airport opened fully for civilian use on 31, May 1946. London Heathrow International Airport's one terminal was in fact an army surplus tent situated a short walk from the aircraft.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• England
• London
• Airport

[dnanban]

incredible - many thanks for posting!

[DigsysDinner77]

Oh go hug a tree you fool....maybe the next time you feel like crossing the Atlantic you should do it in a canoe...and as for mr Mitty, those great iron birds bring alot of families and loved ones together from all over the world. Get with it. Dorks.....

[gilwatling]

Love those Classic Voice Overs and the cheated landing shot :-)

[moviesunrated]

It looks so much different to what it does now, but I think I heard that the first autopilot land was done here.

[veldman37]

I'm referring to "miltytube's" comment that their family farmed the land for centuries and the land was the home of their ancestors... it was the home of nature before them, and as time moves on, it is now the home of an airport, which I FULLY support. I was pointing out that "miltytube" does not OWN the land and does not have dominion over it.

[twoslices]

What a fool you are Veldman37

[whizbang47]

"...Stratocruiser or Brabazon or Flying wing...." 1 out of 3. Chortle-boff.

[1D84down]

The intro music is Vaughan Williams - 'Coastal Command' but not a sign of a Sunderland or a JU88 anywhere! Good newsreel, though

[stickmanpig]

what a greatvideo.lived near airport as a child.spent holidays watching planes there.love those old turboprops.fav stratocruiser.thanks for posting.dave

[jawajawa350]

Interesting, and also impressive to see us Brits at work.. I am a big fan of aircraft, the only thing I would like to point out is that these days Heathrow says one thing. Globalism. It brings in scum from every corner of the planet and pollution. And since the demise of Concorde nothing remotely interesting even lands there. A stinking doorway to places I would like to blow up.

[Butchuk2007]

Fascinating VDO...

I grew up in Heston and now live 3 miles out under the approach to runway 27L in Hounslow. Seen and heard many changes over the years. Before all of the post 9/11 security there was a little country lane leading off from the inner perimeter road. It lead to a small house by the old sewage works. This must have been all that was left of the old Heathrow village lanes. Now terminal 5 has been built over this area. Boy I wish I had taken some photos now.

All the best

Mark