London Luton Airport is celebrating its 75th anniversary today with a special service to mark the occasion.
After launching on July 16, 1938 under the name Luton Municipal Airport, the airport soon soared to success as it became recognised as the fifth largest airport in the UK that carries ten million passengers a year.
Today the airport will hold a Service of Dedication by the Airport’s Chaplain, Rev’d Michael Banfield, and a reception hosted by the Managing Director, Glyn Jones.
The Worshipful the Mayor of Luton, Councillor Sheila Roden, and Deputy Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Doctor David Siegler, will also be there to celebrate the big day.
During the Second World War, Luton Municipal Airport was used by the Royal Air Force and was the base for 264 Fighter Squadron.
It became the birthplace and home of affordable air travel from the 1950s onwards, and was renamed London Luton Airport in 1990.
Glyn Jones, managing director of London Luton Airport, said: “Since the first commercial aircraft departed from here in 1938 the Airport has changed beyond recognition, though its ambition, along with its airline partners, to keep moving into the future remains constant.
“Everyone involved with the Airport has worked hard to make it one of the fastest growing in the UK, creating over 8,000 jobs and opening up new frontiers for our passengers.
“We should all be truly proud of what has been achieved, and be encouraged by what we can further achieve in the future.”