"Belfast City Airport has a rich and interesting background, dating right back to World War II.
Here are a few key dates through the history of Belfast City Airport.
Belfast City Airport was originally named 'Belfast Harbour Airport'
Belfast Harbour Airport was opened on 16th March, 1938 by Mrs Anne Chamberlain, the wife of then British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain. The inaugural flight was to Glasgow, Scotland
Throughout the war, Harbour Airport (or RAF Belfast as it was known) was home to the development and deployment of many famous aircraft including the legendary Shorts Sunderland flying boat
In 1952, the runway was extended to its present 6000ft, requiring more than 500,000 of filling due the nature of the reclaimed land its built on
On 6th April 1960, Belfast City Airport was the setting of the maiden flight by the world's first vertical take-off and landing jet (The SC1), a forerunner to the Harrier 'JumpJet'
The terminal building comprised of converted sheds and a Nissen wartime hut in 1983 and baggage handling was operated by the Fire Service
In 1995, Belfast City Airport played host to then US President Bill Clinton
The continual development of facilities at Belfast City Airport since 1983 culminated in the construction of a completely new terminal which was officially opened on June 3rd, 2001
In 2003, Belfast City Airport ownership was passed to the Ferrovial Group who had headquarters in Madrid and a huge interest in construction and airports throughout the world
Belfast City Airport was re-named 'George Best Belfast City Airport' on 22nd May, 2006 to commemorative the life of International footballing legend, George Best who was born and grew up close to the airport
George Best Belfast City Airport was awarded the private sector 'Gold Award of Excellence' at the Northern Ireland Quality Awards in February 2007
In May 2007, Belfast City Airport was presented with the 'Environmental Accessibility and Customer Service Award' at the O2 Ability Awards
Belfast City Airport was sold to Fortis for £132.5 Million; almost four times what former owners the Ferrovial Group bought it for"
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