"from logs to blogs" - Elmdon over the years

1980
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Highlights of 1980- F-BTSC Concorde Air France 1st visit of type, YR-TPJ TU154 Tarom, CS-TBE B707
LN-BWG CV580 NorFly, F-BPPA Guppy, N325PA B727 Pan Am, 132002 DHC7 RCAF, SP-LSE IL18 LOT

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Jan 03 - I-TIGU DC-9 Itavia diversion, F-BVPS SN601
Jan 05 - I-TIGU DC-9 Itavia, HB-IFR DC-9 SWR
Jan 08 - G-BFDR BE60, G-KATH C210
Jan 10 - HB-VDM C500, G-KENT C414
Jan 12 - I-TIGI DC-9 Itavia, HB-IFT DC-9 SWR
Jan 14 - N101BG LJ, D-IHWK PA31
Jan 15 - I-GIAZ FA20, G-DBOW H25B
Jan 16 - SE-GXM BE20, G-FOUR H25B, G-AWMS H25B, G-BRON BE20
Jan 21 - N711SW GLF2
Jan 24 - I-EDIS FA20, I-EDIM FA20
Jan 25 - G-JRCT C550, N2755A AC90
Jan 28 - D-IAML C414, D-ILOD C414, HB-GEP B100
Jan 31 - N174MA MU-2

British Airways V800 G-AOYJ based at Birmingham - photo John Banbrook

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Feb 04 - PH-MAO DC-9 MPH, D-IHAC C421, F-GALD PA31T
Feb 06 - F-BSUX LJ, OO-SEI C310, G-APWG Herald, G-BBVM BE90
Feb 09 - SE-DEP C500, EI-BET C337, HB-IFX DC-9 SWR
Feb 11 - EC-DDS B100, XV177 C130 RAF
Feb 13 - 50+73 C160 GAF, G-ARIR V800, D-ILEA PA31, D-IAML C414
Feb 14 - SE-DEZ C500
Feb 16 - I-TIGE DC-9 Itavia, HB-IFR DC-9 SWR, XV302 C130
Feb 18 - N116CC C550, G-BCKM C500, G-BCII C500
Feb 19 - 93 FA20 Fr AF, EI-BHJ Gemini
Feb 20 - XT487 Wessex, SE-DEP C501
Feb 23 - OH-BBZ BE55, HB-IDR DC-9 SWR
Feb 26 - F-BYAO F27, XS790 Andover RAF, OY-BDS FA20, OO-RAP TS601, N121AM FA20, G-BCMY BN2A
Feb 26 - HB-IFU, HB-ISN, HB-ISU DC-9's SWR all diversions
Feb 27 - D-CONA LJ, N840R AC90, SE-IDD PA34, D-IMHE BE58
Feb 28 - D-COGA LJ, OO-ATO BE80

Laker Airways B1-11 G-ATPK parked on the western apron - photo John Banbrook

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Mar 17 - OE-LDL DC-9 AUA, OY-RPV C340, D-IFMU MU-2, D-COSE Hansa
Mar 18 - PH-MAO & PH-MAR DC-9 MPH, F-BYCY SE210, F-BVPG SN601, D-IKOA AC90
Mar 20 - F-BXAP BE90, D-CCCA LJ, F-BIHY FA20, LN-SUI B737 BRA, OO-MRD TS601
Mar 21 - F-GBLE E110, OY-DLM MU-2, OY-ATP PA31, D-IFLP PA31
Mar 23 - CS-TBX B727
Mar 25 - 50+89 C160 GAF
Mar 30 - CS-TBG B707 TAP

Itavia DC9's operated regular winter charters - photo John Banbrook

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Apr 01 - G-BGYS E110 Air UK

Apr 02 - F-BVPA Corvette, G-BDRC Viscount Guernsey A/L, G-BAVX Herald BAF
Apr 03 - G-BMAA DC9 BMA

Apr 04 - N81622 Aero Commander 690B

Apr 05 - N45LC Citation, I-TIGE DC9 Itavia, HB-IFG DC9 Swissair, G-BMAC DC9 BMA

Apr 06 - EC-CMS SE210 TAE

Apr 07 - D-ABEH 737 LH LHR div, PH-CHI F28 KLM City Hopper

Apr 08 - PH-CHD F28 KLM City Hopper

Apr 09 - PH-CHF F28 KLM City Hopper

Apr 10 - I-CMUT F20

Apr 11 - PH-CHB F28 KLM City Hopper

Apr 12 - G-BMSM 737 Air Europe LGW div, HB-IDR DC9 Swissair

Apr 13 - F-GBPG AF20 and 14/4, N15SC LJ35 LTN div, EI-BDU DC3 Clyden A/W, EC-CUM SE210 TAE

Apr 14 - G-BGYV E110 Air UK

Apr 16 - EC-DGD DC9 Aviaco

Apr 17 - 50+65 C160 WGAF

Apr 19 - C-2 F-27 KLU, G-BMHG 737 AE LGW div, EC-AUM DC8 Aviaco, HB-IFH DC9 Swissair
Apr 19 - G-BMAB DC9 BMA

Apr 20 - EC-DFP SE210 TAE and 27/4

Apr 21 - N325PA 727 Pan Am and 24/4, OO-SBS 737 Sobelair

Sobelair B732 OO-SBS - photo John Banbrook

Apr 22 - OY-STM SE210 Sterling

Apr 23 - OO-JPI Metro EAT

Apr 24 - OO-SBT 737 Sobelair, D-IASB BE200

Apr 25 - OY-SAE SE210 Sterling, I-EDIS FA20

Apr 27 - I-FLYB CIT, 84+67 CH-53G WGAF

Apr 28 - OO-JPK Metro EAT, D-IKFJ Citation

Apr 29 - PH-MAR DC9 Martinair, PH-MAT F28 Martinair, G-BEYJ Herald BAF

Apr 30 - N94454 DC9 Itavia, I-GIAZ FA20, OE-DOX C210, N23M Gulfstream 2

Pan Am B727 N325PA - photo John Banbrook

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May 01 - D-CCMB FA10

May 02 - G-BGDE 737 British Airways, G-CSZB Viscount Southern

May 03 - G-BHCL 737 Orion

May 04 - EC-DIR DC9 Spantax

May 07 - HZ-GRP 1-11 LHR div

May 10 - LZ-BTK TU154 Balkan

May 12 - 70+53 UH-1D WGAF with 70+44, 71+02 and 16/5, G-OAIR E110 Air UK

May 14 - N2998 GULFSTREAM 2

May 15 - OO-MRC SN601, G-BNOC E110 Air Ecosse, G-BEYG Herald BAF

BAF Herald G-BEYG operating a cargo flight - photo John Banbrook

May 16 - XW750 HS748, G-BOSL 737 Britannia

May 18 - YR-TPH TU154 Tarom, CS-TBU 707 TAP ,G-BMEC 737 Air Europe

May 19 - XX226, XX181 Hawk RAF, G-AVJB Viscount Jersey A/L, C-FCPQ DC8 CP Air

May 20 - 23126 C-12 US Army, EC-CIZ SE210 TAE CWL div, PH-MAX, PH-MAR DC9's Martinair

May 21 - 50+39 C160

May 24 - 132002 CC-132 (DHC-7) CAF, N84MD BE99, XV196 C130 RAF, G-BDRC VIS Guernsey,
May 24 - G-BFZK E110 Air Ecosse, LZ-BTP TU154 Balkan, YR-TPG TU154 Tarom

May 25 - G-ARBY Viscount Alidair, YR-TPF TU154 Tarom

May 26 - C-FCPS DC8 CP Air

May 27 - G-ANAF DC3 DG

May 31 - LN-MAI C406, G-BFMW Viscount Guernsey, YR-TPJ TU154 Tarom, G-BGDD 737 British Airways

Air Europe B732 G-BMEC - photo John Banbrook

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Jun 01 - G-BGDI 737 British Airways, OO-TEK 737 TEA

Jun 02 - XS637 Andover, 227 Navajo French Navy, LN-SUA 737 Braathens, C-FCPS DC8 CP and 28/6

Jun 03 - PH-MAR DC9 MP, OO-JPK Metro EAT

Jun 04 - 50+44 C160 , LX-AIC C172, N211PA Jetstar, G-BWRB Twin Otter Brymon

Jun 05 - 50+89 C160, LN-SUH 737 Braathens

Jun 06 - I-FLYB Citation, WV740 Pembroke, XS793 HS748

Jun 07 - LZ-BTL TU154 Balkan

Jun 08 - SE-GCV C337

Jun 09 - G-AYLT 707 BA LHR div ,C-FCPP DC8 CP and 12,14,16,20,23/6

Jun 10 - N200A G2

Jun 12 - D-INCC CIT

Jun 13 - G-BGKF 1-11 British Airways delivery, F-BYCD SE210 EAS and 14/6

Jun 15 - OO-TEM 737 TEA and 29/6

TEA B732 operating a charter to the near-by NEC - photo John Banbrook

Jun 17 - G-BSVT E110 Fairflight

Jun 19 - OY-APV B720 Maersk and 29/6

Jun 20 - F-GBGA E110 Brit Air

Jun 21 - LZ-BTP TU154 Balkan

Jun 22 - D-CCCA LJ 35.D-AHLL 727 Hapag Lloyd 29/6

Jun 24 - D-CHEF LJ 35

Jun 25 - 70+69 UH-1D WGAF

Jun 27 - 904 Navajo French Navy, I-MABU LJ24, XV303 C130, EC-CIZ SE210 Aviaco

Jun 28 - N880F Falcon 50 F/V of type, SP-LSE IL18 LOT

Orion B737 G-BGTY based to operate charters - photo John Banbrook

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Jul 01 - N880F FA50

Jul 02 - G-BEDF B-17

Jul 04 - 50+68 C160 WGAF, C-FCPQ DC8 CP Air and 14/7

Jul 05 - LZ-BTA 154 Balkan

Jul 06 - D-AHLL 727 Hapag Lloyd and 13/7

Jul 07 - OO-LFA LJ24, D-ICFA Citation, C-FCPS DC8 CP Air and 11/7

Jul 08 - HB-VED FA20 , G-LEAR LJ 35

Jul 09 - PH-JSD SN601, OO-SEL Citation

Jul 10 - OO-VPQ FA20

Jul 12 - EC-BXI CV990 Spantax, SP-LSD IL18 LOT and 26/7

Jul 13 - G-BFBZ 707 GK

Jul 13 - N40AS 1-11, OO-TEL 737 TEA

Jul 14 - EC-CBD, EC-CAJ, EC-CFE 727 Iberia

Jul 15 - G-BHOX B707 Air Malta

Jul 17 - N7000C Gulfstream 2, G-BGNK E110 Fairflight

Jul 18 - YU-ANE TU134 Aviogenex

Jul 19 - C-FCPP DC8 CP Air, SP-LSG IL18 LOT ,LZ-BTC 154 Balkan

Jul 20 - G-BFRK Herald JEA, D-AHLM 727 Hapag Lloyd,

Jul 23 - I-CMUT FA20

Jul 26 - G-AVYB Trident British A/W LHR div

Jul 27 - OO-TEM B737 TEA

Jul 29 - 50+57 C160 WGAF, F-BVPR FA10

Jul 30 - F-BVPS SN601, OY-AJV Citation, XS790 HS748

Jul 31 - N99342 Beech 200, OY-APV 720 Maersk,

Hapag Lloyd B727 D-AHLM - photo John Banbrook

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Aug 04 - N880F Falcon 50

Aug 05 - OY-APV 720 Maersk

Aug 07 - 50+49 C160,87 Noratlas FAF

Aug 10 - OO-TEO 737 TEA and 24/8

Aug 13 - 51+12 C160 N/S

Aug 15 - EC-BJD CV990 Spantax

Aug 16 - F-BYAT SE210 Aerotour. EC-CBI, EC-CFE, EC-CFK 727 Iberia, LZ-BTD TU154 Balkan
Aug 17 - YR-TPJ Tu154 Tarom, D-AHLM B727 Hapag Lloyd
Aug 18 - G-BGKG 1-11 BA Delivery
Aug 20 - G-BCZR V793 Dan Air - Diversion
Aug 22 - G-BPCP C500
Aug 24 - OO-TEO B732 TEA, G-ATIG Herald Brymon
Aug 28 - F-GCMJ RC690

Aug 27 - F-GCMJ RC690, G-ARPN, G-AVYF Tridents's British Airways, G-BGDK 737 BA LHR divs

Aug 27 - SE-GUU BE90 COV div

Aug 29 - EC-CPI SE210 Transeuropa

Aug 30 - LZ-BTM TU154 Balkan

Alidair V800 G-BDRC about to depart rwy 33 - photo John Banbrook

Sep 06 - F-BVPR FA10

Sep 07 - OO-TEL 737 TEA,YR-BCM 1-11 Tarom and 21/9, CS-TBA B707 TAP

Sep 08 - C-FCPQ DC8 CP Air

Sep 10 - 50+35 C160 WGAF, D-IAEV Citation, OH-LYA DC9Finnair

Sep 11 - SE-IEH Beech 200, SE-IAS, SE-IDC Navajo's, LN-SUA 737 Braathens

Sep 12 - D-CCAY Lear Jet, SE-IEH Beech 200

Sep 12 - OE-FSL Navajo, YU-BME HS125, LN-SUA 737 Braathens, PH-CHI F28 City Hopper

Sep 13 - OY-AJV Citation, D-BAKI F27 WDL, LZ-BTM 154 Balkan, YU-BME HS125, OE-FSL Pa31

Sep 14 - D-IGLU Citation , I-BUTY Navajo, LN-SUP 737 Braathens, OH-LYA DC9 Finnair

Sep 15 - OY-ARV MU2, LN-AEI Aztec, D-IHCW DW4 HW Air, LN-SUG 737 Braathens

Sep 16 - F-BJTJ SE210 SF, PH-TVI 737 Transavia, F-BTSC Concorde Air France, 1st visit of type

1st visit of a Concorde to Birmingham Air France F-GTSC - photo John Banbrook

Sep 17 - LN-SUB 737 Braathens, G-BHWE 737 Britannia

Sep 18 - LN-SUT B732 Braathans, OH-LYD DC9 Finnair, LN-AEI Pa31
Sep 19 - PH-URI Navajo

Sep 20 - N523AC 1-11, G-BEOZ Argosy ABC EMA div

Sep 21 - OO-TEK 737 TEA

Sep 22 - D-IJON Citation, F-GBMJ SE210 EAS, C-FCPP DC8 CP Air

EAS SE210 F-GBMJ arriving on a charter flight - photo John Banbrook

Sep 23 - XW750 HS748

Sep 24 - HB-GGX BE200,EI-BEE 737 Aer Lingus

Sep 27 - LZ-BTK 154 Balkan Sep 28 - CS-TBE B707 TAP, D-AHLL B727 Hapag Lloyd

Sep 28 - G-BGJE 737 British Airtours, G-AWYU 1-11 BR LGW divs

Sep 30 - EC-BIB SE210 Transeuropa BRS div, I-FLYA Citation , SE-DED SN601

Air Charter Int SE210 F-GJTJ operated a charter flight - photo John Banbrook

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Oct 01 - PH-CTC Citation, G-ASZG 707 British Airways LHR div

Oct 02 - 50+94 C160, F-BFDG FA10, EC-DCN SE210 Transeuropa

Oct 03 - N809LS Gulfstream 2

Oct 06 - 22261 C-12 US Army, C-FCPO DC8 CP Air

Oct 07 - 50+87 C160, I-NCCA C414

Oct 10 - G-BDXJ 747 British Airways, to be named the "City of Birmingham"

Oct 11 - LZ-BTL 154 Balkan

Oct 12 - CS-TBU B707 TAP, G-BEAM L10 BA LHR div
Oct 13 - F-GCMS LJ35
Oct 14 - C-GMWJ Mooney, OO-SEL Citation
Oct 15 - LN-BWG Cv580 NorFly, D-ICFA C500, F-GBMD Falcon 10,
Oct 15 - N9040V Beech 60,SE-GXK Beech 90
Oct 16 - OO-SBS B732 Sobleair, PH-DNV DC9 KLM, PH-DOB DC9 KLM, HB-VGG HS125
Oct 16 - F-GAPY LJ23, HB-VGG 125, D-CBVW Sabre 65, PH-MAO DC9 Martinair
Oct 17 - OE-ILB FH227 Lauda Air, D-IHST C414, N12ME C500, D-IJON C500
Oct 18 - EC-DGC DC9 Aviaco, N4662W RC114, G-BEJM 1-11
Oct 20 - PH-MAR DC9 Martinair, D-CCMB Falcon 10, D-CCMB FA20
Oct 21 - G-AMCA DC3 DG
Oct 22 - OE-FRH C414, G-ASZJ SC7 Skyvan
Oct 23 - D-IKOA RC690, D-ICAP LJ24, G-BGDJ 737 British Airways

Oct 24 - PH-LPS FA20

Oct 27 - 50+35 C160, G-ZEAL LJ35

Oct 28 - OT-ALB/B-02 Islander Belgium Army, SE-DED SN601

nor-fly CV580 LN-BWG - photo John Banbrook

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Nov 02 - YU-AJK DC9 JAT
Nov 04 - F-BSRL LJ24
Nov 06 - XP820 Beaver AAC
Nov 09 - EC-BIP DC9 Aviaco, CS-TBE B707 TAP, F-GASL HS125, I-FLYA Citation
Nov 10 - HB-VDM Citation
Nov 11 - PH-MAX DC9 Martinair and 25/11
Nov 14 - G-JJSG LJ35
Nov 16 - G-BHTT C500
Nov 24 - G-FIVE HS125, SE-DED Sn601
Nov 28 - OY-SAG Se210 & OY-SBE B727 Sterling - Luton Diversions, D-CMAN FA10, D-CCHB LJ35

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Dec 02 - F-BJTG SE210 ACI

Dec 04 - F-BRUY Gulfstream 22

Dec 06 - G-BGNA SD330 Loganair,G-BJFH 737 Air Europa

Dec 10 - 50+91 C160 WGAF

Dec 11 - D-CNCP Citation

Dec 14 - F-BPPA Guppy - Manchester Diversion, EC-CGO DC9 Aviaco

Dec 18 - 114/63-VJ Noratlas

Dec 19 - G-BHWF 737 Britannia

Dec 20 - EC-DEB Lear Jet - Brize Norton Diversion, EC-DGB DC9 Aviaco
Dec 21 - EC-CGQ DC9 Aviaco, G-BHNF 727 Dan Air
Dec 27 - EC-DGE DC9 Aviaco

Dec 28 - EC-CGN DC9 Aviaco

French Air Force Nor Atlas 114 - photo Roy Kesterton

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Credit Mick Farley

Introduction

"from logs to blogs"

A look back in history at Elmdon airport, Birmingham. Starting at 1955 and ending at 2010 when the bhx movements blog was started. It has been born from the passion of our more senior members to retrace history. A log of the more interesting movements will be built up, accompanied by photographs. If anyone has old logs and/or photographs and wishes to share them, please make contact with Ian or Mick.

We have also added special events, e.g the Kings Cup air race, G8/NATO summits, Ryder Cup Golf, Football finals, Accidents & Incidents to name but a few.

Credit to the following publications, 'A celebration of Birmingham International', 'Past, Present & Future', 'Birmingham International Airport'. Also to the various photographers over the years.

Acknowlegements: Ian Farquarson, Mick Farley, Roger Chapman, Roy Kesterton, Andrew Jones, Simon Neville, Nigel Osborne, Phil Cross, Peter Collins, Alec Wilson, Simon Butler, Tony Green, Terry Lee, David & Sue Shephard, Coptercrazy, Kevin Farley, David Miller, Tim Newman and to everyone else who has sent in information.

The early years

Birmingham (Elmdon) airport opened for business on 1st May 1939. Although 800 acres of land were available to develop the airport only 215 acres were initially used. The cost of buying the land was £130,613, £28,314 for preparing the site, £144,647 for buildings, roads and equipment and £18,861 for lighting. A further £39,181 was expected to be spent on additional land. The whole project was expected to cost £361,816. Three grass runways of 3000ft in length plus a fourth at 4,700ft were in use.

The first arrival was Swallow G-ACXE, the first scheduled arrival was Great Western & Southern Airlines Dragon Rapide from Liverpool and Manchester, leaving for Brisol, Southampton, Ryde and Shoreham. Next arrival was Railway Air Services DH.86 Neptune from Croydon on route to Liverpool, Belfast and Glasgow.Sadly the onset of war curtailed further schedules from materializing.

The ceremonial opening was carried out by The Duchess of Kent on the 8th July 1939. Other dignitaries consisted of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, Air Minister Sir Kingsley Wood plus 60 invited guests. Sadly the weather spoilt the opening with heavy rain and a low cloud base, prevented most aircraft from arriving. The air display to celebrate the opening consisted of Fleet Air Arm Skuas, C.40 Autogyro, Piper Cub, 8 Spitfires, Blenheim, Lysander, Hurricane, Whitney, Blenheim and Hampden bombers. Other visitors included the DH.95 Flamingo, DH.86, Rapides, Dragon and Dragonfly.

The war and post war years

Two months after the opening Elmdon was requisitioned by the Air Ministry and all civil flying ceased. The 14th Elementary Flying School for the RAF and Fleet Air Arm took up residence with Tiger Moths. Close by Austin built a factory on the North side of the railway line. The factory was used for the final assembly of Stirling bombers and later Lancaster bombers. The aircraft were towed to the Elmdon site via a bridge over the railway line for test flying. The grass runways had been replaced by two concrete ones. The airfield stayed under military control until 1946 when it was handed to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. It was the late 1940's before scheduled services re-commenced again. A number of small companies operated flights to destinations such as the Isle of Man, Isle of Whight,the Channel Islands, Blackpool and Weston-super-Mare. A variety of aircraft were used on the flights from Austers to Dragon Rapides. British European Airways (BEA), controlled all domestic traffic and gradually took over the more profitable routes. 1949 saw the first international route to Paris, operated by a BEA Dakota G-AHCU. The service was poorly supported and other Continental routes were ruled out. In 1949 Aer Lingus introduced a service to Dublin again using the Dakota, EI-ACL operated the 1st service. In contrast to BEA woos, the Dublin service proved to be a great success.

The 1950's

Despite the poor support for the Paris service, new services were gradually introduced using Dakotas to Belfast 1950, Jersey 1950, Glasgow (via Manchester) 1952, Edinburgh (via Glasgow) 1953, and Northolt 1953. Again services were poorly supported resulting in cancellations or additional stops. From 1953 the Paris service originated from Manchester and saw the Dakota being replaced by Airspeed Ambassadors on the route.

In 1954 BEA replaced the Ambassadors with the Vickers Viscount on domestic services and its International route to Paris, cutting the flight time to just 75 minutes.
1954 saw Aer Lingus also replace the Dakota with the Vickers Viscount, flight time on route was 50 minutes. By 1956 BEA had introduced the Viscount on new services to Dusseldorf and Zurich. However the downside of Viscount services to the Continent was Elmdons runway length, it could not support fully laded operations. During 1958 the runway was extended by 800ft and Continental services suspended, re-commencing in 1959 when the extension was completed. Over the coming years flights were added to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Basle and Milan.

The 1960's - the jet age

On April 2nd 1960 Birmingham City Council took over the running of the airport. Lost was the name Elmdon Airport to be replaced by the name Birmingham Airport. 1961 was a significant year, the first jet airliner visited Birmingham in the shape of an RAF Comet, born was the jet age. 1962 saw the arrival of the first BEA Vanguard, the biggest aircraft to use the airport, but could not operate fully laden. Again a decision was taken to extend the main runway to 7400ft to allow jet operations, the extension was completed in 1966. This allowed scheduled airlines and tour operators to introduce jets on its flights from Birmingham, approx 300 jet flight were to operate that summer, including BUA BAC 1-11's and Spantax Coranado's. The first jet to use the extension was a BEA Trident from Heathrow, flight time 15 minutes. 1966 had also saw the introduction of scheduled flights to Amsterdam, flown by KLM using the Lockheed Electra, replaced by the DC9 in 1967. 1967 also saw BEA start serving the Malta route with Comets. Also during that year Air France commenced Caravelle services to Nice, while Iberia operated to Palma with the same aircraft type. 1967 also saw Birmingham's first trans-Atlantic flight in the shape of a Caladonian Britannia diverted in from Montreal. Later that year saw the first BOAC B707 to visit the airport arriving from New York with freight. Another new jet type to grace the tarmac was Seaboard World Airways DC'8s operating from Chicago with freight. 1969 saw the viist of the 1st BOAC VC10 G-ARVE to promote the airlines new service to New York.

The 1970's-The I.T revolution

The 1970 saw the commencement of a four times summer only weekly service to New York via Manchester. The service struggled to attract passengers and was routed out via Prestwick. Finally in 1973 the route was pulled due to massive losses. The inclusive tour market was really picking up with large numbers of charter airlines being seen at Birmingham on a reguar basis. Flights were operated to Mediterranean hotspots and the USA. An impressive list of Airlines operated the flights including, Air Malta, Air Spain, Aviaco, Aviogenex, Balair, Braathens, Cyprus Airways, Inex-Adria, JAT, SAM, Spantax, Trans Europa and World Airways, plus several British companies. Types used included BAC 1-11's, B720's, Britannias, Caravelles, Coranado's, DC-7's, DC-8's, DC-9's, Tridents, TU134's and Viscounts. The terminal was now bursting at the seams at passenger figures soared to 1 million per year. Urgent action was required to extend the terminal. During the winter of 1972/3, Birmingham became a major diversion field for flights diverted away from the London airports. 45 diversions were handled in one day alone with others being turned away. As a young lad I would go down a help load the coaches with bags as the terminal was at bursting point. On many occasions the short runway would be lined with diverted flights.1978 saw the first visit of type in the shape of a B747 belonging to Qantas, VH-EBH. Followed the next year with scheduled flights to Toronto with CP Air.

The 1980's-the supersonic era

1980 saw the visit to Birmingham of the first supersonic airliner Concorde, an Air France example F-BTSC operated a charter flight. This was soon followed by British Airways examples operating pleasure flights for those who wanted to sample supersonic flight. BEA despite its dominance in Birmingham soon began to struggle, many flights were withdrawn at the start of the decade. 1982 saw Air India operating twice weekly services via Moscow to Delhi and Amristar using B707's. These services lasted to 1984 before being withdrawn. Passenger figures continued to soar and ended the decade at 3.5 million. A new passenger terminal on the east side of the airfield close to the railway station and the National Exhibition centre was given the go ahead in 1980 at a cost of 29 million. The terminal was handed over to the airport on the 11th January 1984, while the 1st departure was on the 22nd March of that year when a BEA BAC 1-11 departed to Bordeaux. The open day and airshow was held over the weekend of 28-30 May 1984 in pouring rain and gales just like the opening of the original terminal way back in 1955. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh officially opened the new complex on the 30th May. After the opening of the New terminal, International operators started to open up new routes including, Air France, Iberia, Lufthansa, KLM, Swissair and Air Canada. 1987 saw a two week strike that closed Manchester airport for two weeks, Birmingham handled 618 extra movements during this period, which equated to 60,00 passengers.

1996 EU Summit

EU Summit May 6th-7th

May 06 - 93-7026 C650 TuAF, T-18.1 F900 SpAF, 102001 Gulfstream 4 SAF, 0125 Falcon 20 RDAF,LX-GDL C550, 249 Gulfrstream 3 IAC, OE-GCI C550, 034 FA50 FAF, D-CDEN LJ31, HB-VJI LJ31,17+02 VFW614 GAF, SX-ECH F900, MM62012 DC9 IAF, C-1 F27 RNAF, CS-01 HS748 BAF, ZD704 HS125 RAF, 17403 FA50 PAF, 27 FA50 FAF, 240 BE20 IAC, 78 FA50 FAF

May 07 - TF-DCA BE90, 12+04 CL60 GAF, LZ-D-050 TU134 BuAF, 0420 TU154 Czech AF, LN-VIP LJ55, 0601 TU154 Slovak AF, 038 YAK40 PAF, C-3 F27 RNAF, N31LJ LJ31

1996 European Championships

VILLA PARK (Holland v Scotland v Switzerland)(Croatia v Czech R)

Jun 10 - G-AZPK B146, F-GCVM SE210, D-ABNX B757 Condor, G-MAJS A300 Monarch,OO-VLE FK50 VLM, F-GNEM DC10, OO-OLJ B737, OO-IBL JS31, PH-HVG B737 Transavia, G-BUPS AT42, PH-OZA B737, G-BVOV HS748, PH-AHI B757 Air Holland, G-MOND B757 Monarch, G-BIFH SH30, N186AT L101 American Air Tran, D-ADUP F27, TF-ABH L101 Air Atlanta, PH-DNB FK50 Denim Air, C-8 FK50 NAF, OO-IBJ JS31, PH-HVF B737 Transavia, G-MONS A300 Monarch, PH-OZB B737, G-ZAPG SH60, D-IAAV C441, PH-RAZ SW4, PH-FWM MU2, PH-ATM BE20, PH-GYN PA31, N9210Y PA31, PH-FWC C406, OY-CKY Falcon 20, D-ICSM BE20, D-IAMU C421, PH-ECO PA31, OY-JRS B190, PH-IDA PA31, PH-PTE PA31, PH-ABD PA31, PH-DAE PA31, OY-JEO SW4, OO-DFE C421, PH-JMV PA31, PH-PTC PA31, OY-AUP SW4, F-GMRD BE58, D-COOL LJ55

Jun 13 - PH-MCF B747 Martinair, G-MONX A320 Monarch, PH-HVT B737 Transavia, OO-VLE FK50 VLM, PH-AHI B757 Air Holland,PH-IDA PA31, PH-RAZ SW4, PH-BRN B350, D-IHLK C421, TF-ABH L101 Air Atlanta, G-CEAP L101, OO-KNM C441, PH-XPI PA31, PH-HBB TB20, G-MOND B757 Monarch, G-UKLJ A320 Air UK, F-GOMA B146, G-BWJA B737, G-MONC B757 Monarch, HB-IIB B737, HB-ILJ F27, HB-IUH MD81, G-BPND B727, OY-JRS B190, PH-MCT MD11 Martinair, PH-FWC C406, OY-JEO SW4, PH-DNB FK50, HB-INS MD80 Swissair, D-IAMU C421, N528WA C210, N9095Y PA32, OO-ILJ B737 Air Belgium, PH-MFX C650, PH-ABD PA31, HB-VIS C550, PH-DAE PA31, OY-EBA F27, PH-TKC B757 Transavia, HB-VIC C501, G-OBWA B1-11 BWA, G-AYOP B1-11 BWA , PH-MCS MD11 Martinair, N9210Y PA31, F-BPVG B747 Air France, PH-JOE C425, OY-NPB SW3, D-ICSM BE20, HB-IIC B737, PH-ECO PA31, PH-GYN PA31, PH-EEF PA31, D-AITH C414, PH-PRM PA44, I-FFRI LJ24, N541JA BE60, HB-VJZ C560, PH-AIJ PA34, PH-MCH B767 Martinair, PH-HVN B737 Transavia, PH-PTE PA31, HB-LQJ PA34, PH-ATM BE20, OY-BJT SW4, G-OZBA A320 Monarch, OO-VLN FK50 VLM, EC-261 C525

Jun 18 - HB-INR, HB-ISX, HB-IUH MD82 Swissair, HB-IKM MD83, EI-TLB A320, HB-VGS Citation,F-GFBO BE90, MM62153 G222 IAF, HB-IJE A320, OE-LRS DHC8, HB-VKP, HB-VLE C550's, F-GILJ B300

Jun 21 - OK-TCD TU154, OK-VCP TU154, OK-BYA CL60, OK-BYV IL62, OM-AHK B727, CS-ATG FA20, CS-TEQ B737 TAP, D-AIAH A300 Lufthansa, OO-LFL C441, N6315X C421

1998 G8 Meeting

May 15 to 17th
May 01 - 86-8019 C-5B
May 06 - RA-96012 IL96
May 10 - RA-86710 IL62
May 11 - 159357, 159351 VH-3D, 71-0924, 70-01626, 73-1648 MH-53J
May 12 - 86-0015 C-5B, RA-78817 IL76
May 14 - 159351 SH-3D, 82-8000 VC-25A, 72-7000 VC-137B, 20-1102 B744 JAF, 20-1101 B744 JAF , C-FTNL L101 Air Transat
May 15 - RA-86710 IL62, RA-96012 IL96, RA-86561 IL62, 15005 A310 RCAF, F-RADA A310 FAF, OO-LFR LJ25, F-RAFQ F900 FAF, 12+04 CL60 GAF, MM62013 DC9 IAF, 85-6973 VC-137B, N350JF LJET, N117AH WW1224
May 16 - 159351 VH-3D
May 17 - F-RAFL FA50 FAF, F-RADA A310 FAF, RA-78817 IL76, 66-0149 C141B, 86-0022 C-5B, RA-78835 IL76
May 18 - 86-0019 C-5B

1999 EUFA Cup Final

VILLA PARK
May 19 - N73M G5, D-AWDL B146 WDL, I-LIAC FA20, G-OMJB BH06, I-SNAX F900, N560MM C550, I-SNAW F2TH, I-LIAD LJ35, I-AROO C550, I-AVJE LJ25, D-IRKE C525, T-18.1 F900, EC-FQX L1329, EC-GNK F2TH, D-IHHS C525, C-GTSR L101 Star A/L, CS-TEB L101 Air Medeira, D-AHFK B738 Hapag Lloyd, D-AWUE B146 WDL, EC-FXY, EC-GVI MD83 Spanair, EC-GHM B762 Air Europa, EC-GRX, EC-HCN, EC-HCP B734 Futura EC-GUO, EC-HAN B734 Air Europa, EC-HBC B738 Air Europa, EC-HCR A320 Iberworld, EI-CEK, EI-CMM, EI-CMZ, EI-CNR, MD83 Eurofly, EI-COJ B734 Air One, EI-CRD B763 Eurofly, EI-TLE A320 Britannia A/W, EI-TLT A320 Trans Aer, F-GKLJ, F-GSEA, F-GSUN B747's Corsair, F-GKTA B733 Air One, F-GPVC DC10 Air Liberte, F-GRSE A320 Star A/L, I-DACR MD83 Alitalia, I-DEMN B747 Alitalia, I-DUPE MD11 Alitalia, N242GD B734 Blue Panorama

2002 Ryder Cup Golf

Belfry
Sep 20 - LX-PRS C550, SE-DVP DA10, N910JW F900
Sep 21 - N300K GLF5, N800PM GLF2
Sep 22 - EC-HGI C550, CS-DNY C560, N326K F900, C-FIDO LJ60
Sep 23 - G-EVLN GLF4, N521DB B727, HB-VHV H25B, G-OMAK A319, N326K DA900
Sep 24 - N1125S G150, D-ISCH C25A, PT-SUC E135, C-FIDO LJ60, N331P GLF4
Sep 25 - N777KK GLF4, HB-VIS C550, HB-VMH C550, N521DB B727, PH-HMA C550, N82RP F900
Sep 25 - N252JS GLF5, G-LCYA F900, EI-WGV GLF5, EI-CVT GLF4, N404QS GLF4
Sep 26 - N170SW GLEX, N330FX CL60, EI-WJN H25B, CS-DNR F2TH, N2518M WW1124
Sep 26 - HB-IUX F900, CS-DNJ H25B, CS-DNR F2TH,N90AM GLF5
Sep 27 - N255CC CL60, HB-IBQ FA50, HB-VJI LJ31, N122RS GLF4, N777KK GLF4, N176CL F900, G-RIBV C560
Sep 27 - N178HH GLF3, N436QS GLF4, HB-IVN F2TH, EI-PAX C56X, N601WM CL60, N119CS C525
Sep 28 - G-BJIR C550, HB-IUT GALAXY, G-LCYA F900, EI-CVT G-4, N418QA G-4, VP-BKZ GLF5
Sep 28 - N132JC GALAXY, N900VL F900, N501PC GLF4
Sep 29 - N500LS B737 BBJ, N275NM C750, N200UP FA50, N96UT FA50, HB-VHV H25B,N590HM GLF4
Sep 29 - HB-IBG F900, N436QS GLF4, EI-RNJ H25B, OY-LJG LJ45, HB-IVM F2TH, N750NS C750
Sep 29 - G-POAJ CL60, N46WC H25B, D-COKE LJ35
Sep 30 - N403QS G-4, HB-VNI C56X, HB-IUX F900, N368CE B733, N40DK LJ55, EC-FZP C525

Birmingham's 70th Anniversary

9th September 2009
A6-EDE Airbus A380861 Emirates Airlines
G-ADND de Havilland DH-87B (Marked W9385.)
G-AERV Miles M.11A
G-AGTM de Havilland DH-89A Air Atlantique Classic Flight
G-AKWS Auster 5A/160 (Marked RT610.)
G-ARGY Piper PA-22160
G-ATSR Beech M35
G-AWFP Rollason CondorD.62B
G-AWFZ Beech A23-A19
G-AYTR Menavia CP.301A
G-BBMO de Havilland Canada DHC-1 (Marked WK514.)
G-BCDJ Piper PA-28140
G-BFHP Champion 7GCA
G-BKJB Piper PA-18135
G-BNVB American Aviation AA-5A
G-BROR Piper J/3C 65
G-BTZX Piper J/3C 65
G-BVAF Piper J/3C 85
G-CBEF Scottish Aviation SA.120T.1 (Marked XX621.)
G-CHAP Robinson R44
G-MOOV Czech Aircraft Works SportCruiser
G-UTSY Piper PA-28R-201

Accidents and Incidents

March 5 1960 -A Douglas C-47A (registration G-AMSF) operated by Don Everall Aviation crashed on takeoff from Birmingham International Airport due to engine failure; all three crew and 28 passengers survived, but the aircraft was written off.
9 January 1973 - A Viscout of British Midland Airways G-AZLR suffered a landing accident at Elmdon Airport, Birmingham during a positioning flight from Leeds.As the aircraft touched down the port main undercarriage collapsed and the aircraft skidded along the runway and slewed off to the left, and onto the grass. There was no fire but the aircraft was very close to the runway and the airport was closed. It was only a positioning flight crew and all on board were unhurt. After an extensive investigation it was determined that the port undercarriage leg was not locked down properly. This showed in the cockpit but no blame was attached to the crew as they had noted the unsafe cockpit light and checked the port wing indicator before they landed which showed it was in a safe position The mechanical indicator on the port wing had frozen solid overnight at Leeds and broke when the undercarriage was retracted, thus giving false information to the crew. The aircraft returned to service after repairs.
29 November 1975 - The accident occurred when the aircraft returned at night to its home base after an international private flight and the pilot attempted to make a landing in fog. Three unsuccessful approaches were made using the Instrument Landing System (ILS) but on each occasion the pilot made an overshoot.
After initiation of the third overshoot the aircraft lost height and struck the ground 670 feet to the right of the runway and 4,800 feet beyond the threshold. The aircraft caught fire and was destroyed. All four occupants lost there lives.
The report concludes that the reason for the loss of height could not be determined but in the light of the handling pilot's medical history it is considered possible that he became incapacitated and that the other pilot was unable to maintain control of the aircraft.
21 March 1985 - Cessna 150 G-AZHF crashed on to a warehouse roof while making an emergency landing to runway 15 at Birmingham. The flight from Prestwick en-route to Coventry initially diverted to Liverpool due to a low pressure oil warning. After rectification 'ZHF' carried on to Coventry, as he approached Birmingham the pilot declaired an emerency with a rough running engine. While attempting to land on runway 15 all power was lost and the pilot initiated a landing in the dark on to a football pitch. At the last momement the pilot stalled the aeroplane in an attempt to land on the football pitch, but caught a tree and was cartwhelled in to the warehose roof. The pilot walked away with minor injuries, the cause of the accident was fuel starvation due to empty tanks. The pilot had not accounted for the diversion to Liverpool, taxi etc and ran out of fuel.
27 November 1985 - C404 G-BKTJ belonging to Donington Aviation Crashed on take-off from Birmingham Airport (BHX/EGBB), Elmdon, Birmingham, West Midlands on route to Norwich Airport with a crew of 1 and 11 passengers. Of the 12 persons on board, 4 were seriously injured, the aircraft came to a stop in an alotment at the end of the runway.
The subsequent AAIB report attributed the accident to accumulated icing on the wings and flying controls. This prevented the aircraft from gaining sufficient airspeed to gain altitude and climb away from the airport.
4 January 2002 – A Bombardier CL604 Challenger business jet crashed on take-off from runway 15 at Birmingham. The aircraft with registration N90AG was on lease by AGCO corporation and was carrying two company executives, two pilots and an observer. After arriving from Palm Beach International airport the previous evening, the aircraft was parked overnight at Birmingham where ice formed on the wings due to the cold weather conditions. The following morning the pilots did not request de-icing of the aircraft before their flight to Bangor airport in Maine. The ice on the wings caused one wing to dip on take off, the aircraft inverted, crashed into grass beside the runway and caught fire. There were no survivors. Sleeping pills taken by both pilots the night before the crash are thought to have been a factor in reducing the pilots' judgment.
23 February 2006 – Mahan Air Airbus A310 operating a flight from Tehran, Iran, was involved in a serious incident while on approach to Birmingham International Airport. The aircraft descended to the published minimum descent altitude of 740 ft despite still being 11 nm from the runway threshold. At a point 6 nm from the runway the aircraft had descended to an altitude of 660 ft, which was 164 ft above ground level. Having noticed the descent profile, Birmingham Air Traffic Control issued an immediate climb instruction to the aircraft, however, the crew had already commenced a missed approach, having received a GPWS alert. The aircraft was radar vectored for a second approach during which the flight crew again initiated an early descent. On this occasion, the radar controller instructed the crew to maintain their altitude and the crew successfully completed the approach to a safe landing. The accident investigation determined that the primary cause was use of the incorrect DME for the approach, combined with a substantial breakdown in Crew Resource Management. Three safety recommendations were made.
15 June 2006 – A TNT Airways cargo B737 300 made an emergency landing at Birmingham with damaged landing gear.The aircraft, registration OO-TND, had been flying from Liege in Belgium to Stansted. Due to poor visibility at Stansted the flight diverted to East Midlands Airport As the weather at East Midlands was also poor, the aircraft performed a full autopilot approach. During this approach the autopilot momentarily disengaged causing it to deviate from the course. The aircraft hit the grass to the side of the runway, which caused the right main gear to detach. The crew initiated a go-around, declared an emergency and diverted to Birmingham. After it landed on Birmingham's main runway, the airport was closed for a number of hours. The pilots were unharmed. However, the company ascribed the incident to human error and both pilots were dismissed.The official report into the accident highlighted a number of factors contributing to the accident - poor weather forecast information; a message passed from Air Traffic Control to the aircraft at an "inappropriate" time; the pilot accidentally disconnecting the autopilot when attempting to respond to the message; the pilot losing "situational awareness" and failing to abort the landing.
19 November 2010 – A Cessna Citation aircraft, registration G-VUEM, crashed at Birmingham Airport during final approach in thick fog. Reports from West Midlands Police were that there were two casualties, one critical. The aircraft was bringing a human liver from Belfast airport, for a transplant operation which was subsequently completed successfully.The airport reopened at around mid-day the following day.
21 September 2012 - A Monarch chartered jet skidded off the runway at Birmingham Airport when it touched down from Nice in the South of France this afternoon.The Aurela Boeing 737 LY-SKA, leased to Midlands-based Monarch Airlines by the Lithuanian operator. The packed flight ZB 467 careered off the tarmac after it touched down in heavy rain and the runway was closed. All flights were suspended for more than two hours while airfield emergency services assisted the crew to evacuate the aircraft. Its wheels overshot the runway and got stuck in a grass verge alongside the tarmac. A spokesman for the airport confirmed that there were no injuries among the passengers on board the 23-year-old jet leased by the Midlands-based airline.“We are working with Birmingham Airport to move the aircraft and is fully assisting with the authorities. As a standard precaution emergency services have attended the aircraft,” she added. Heavy lifting gear eventually towed the stricken aircraft away from the vicinity of the runway, two hours after it had touched down.

Local Airfields

Castle Bromwich Aeroplane Factory - The City of Birmingham III Spitfire.

As the Second World War approached, the Air Minister (Sir Kingsley Wood) asked Lord Nuffield (William Morris) if he would establish a new shadow factory to produce aeroplanes. This was to be built between Fort Dunlop and Castle Bromwich airfield. Construction commenced on 14 July 1938 and an initial order for 1,000 Spitfires was placed on 12 April 1939.

Castle Bromwich Aeroplane Factory was then the largest of its kind in Britain.

It covered 345 acres and employed 12,000 people. The site plan shows main offices, drawing offices, tool rooms, stores for finished parts, areas for the assembly of wings and fuselages, and covering of tailplanes and fins, drape shops (for covering of parts including petrol tanks), canteens, surgeries, sports and social clubs, and power-generating plants.

During March 1940, Vickers-Armstrongs was placed in charge of the factory. The factory built somewhere between 11,555 and 11,939 Spitfires, over half of the total number produced. Often 50 Spitfires a week were made with a peak of 320. In 1941, 200 Avro Lancaster Mk II bombers were ordered, by the end of the war 300 Lancaster of various marks had been built. Fifty Seafire 45s were also made.

In 1943, a bomb was dropped on the factory, causing some production to be dispersed to other sites around the Midlands. There had been a fatal bombing at the factory on 13 August 1940, in which six workers were killed.

When aircraft were completed, they were towed across the main Chester Road to the airfield where they were flown by test pilots and delivered to the RAF by Air Transport Auxiliary pilots. Alex Henshaw was Chief Test Pilot from 1940 to 1945, personally putting more than 10% of the aeroplanes produced through their paces, and providing some spectacular air displays with Spitfires.

Post war...The aeroplane factory was closed in 1945 and became a car factory. It was first sold to Fisher and Ludlow Ltd, which was acquired by BMC in 1953. Later, it became part of Jaguar. Part of the original site was also bought by Dunlop to extend their premises and house their research programme.

source:ForcesWarRecords.

June 1951 and Birmingham was chosen for a trial service linking Birmingham and London. Three flights a day with tickets costing £2/10s single, or £4/10s return.

Helicopters operated from a dedicated site on a recreation ground in Hay Mills, 3 miles from the city centre.

Flight Magazine described the Hay Mills ‘RotorStation’ as “two asphalt touchdown points and a small wooden traffic building.”

The daily flights stopped at Northolt Airport, West London, before reaching Heathrow.

Authors of a university paper, Martin Dodge and Richard Brook are puzzled by the location of Birmingham’s heliport.

“It was only a couple of miles away from Birmingham’s existing airport at Elmdon,” The location probably matched the ‘make do’ circumstances of the time, contingent on available land that was vaguely suitable.”

The grand plans were scaled down somewhat. The journey from Hay Mills and Northolt took 70 minutes in a Westland-Sikorsky S-51 copter, which could only carry 4 passengers.

Under used and propped up by Government subsidies, the passenger service was scrapped in April 1952.

Costs were high and operating precautions severe.

"from logs to blogs" - Elmdon over the years

Elmdon Building

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