Better known to UK aviation enthusiasts, here’s some facts to mark the airport’s 60th anniversary...
Starting life as RAF Castle Donington in 1943, it was redeveloped as a civilian airport in 1965. Owned by Manchester Airports Group (MAG), its location means a catchment area of 5 counties namely Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Rutland. More about the name later…
As RAF Castle Donington it was equipped with 3 concrete runways and 2 hangars. Initially used by 28 Operational Training Unit, which trained crews on the Vickers Wellington for RAF Bomber Command. Then 108 Operational Training Unit took over, this time for RAF Transport Command training Douglas Dakota crews. In 1946, the airfield closed and the station decommissioned.
In 1964, a group of local government agencies bought the former RAF station and launched a huge construction and runway investment programme. Renamed East Midlands Airport, it opened for passengers in April 1965, replacing the redundant Derby Airport. The major carrier at that time, British Midland had its HQ there before moving to Donington Hall in 1982. Although it retained its maintenance base at the airport. In 1993, National Express purchased the airport, before selling to MAG in 2001.
For passenger services, EMA is considered a low-cost operator airport. Bmibaby Flybe, Aer Lingus (Stobart Air) and Monarch have all come and gone. Ryanair is the largest carrier there. Jet2 have a base of 7 aircraft. However, EasyJet returned in 2021 to take over EMA-BFS, their first route since January 2010.
Many of you will be aware that EMA is a huge cargo hub. Although there are daytime departures, most flights arrive and depart during the night. DHL has a purpose-built facility, showcasing its 757, 767, 777 and A300 aircraft. Other freight carriers include UPS, AeroLogic, SilkWay and ASL.
Located across the runway from the DHL Hub is East Midlands Aeropark. Several aircraft are on static display including Vulcan, Canberra, Nimrod, Vickers Vanguard (cockpit). Maintained by volunteers, there’s also a museum. The viewing mounds extremely popular, especially when runway 27 is used for arrivals. Due to its proximity to Donington Park, aircraft noise can often be drowned out by motorbikes, satisfying their owners need for speed!
Now we come to the name change. In 2004, it was renamed Nottingham East Midlands Airport. This caused controversy amongst those in the know and loyal passengers. The closest city, Derby, was not considered despite being home to Rolls Royce aircraft engine operations. The logic applied was that Sherwood Forest, the home of Robin Hood, is in Nottingham and would resonate more with passengers. To this day, overseas airports cannot make up their minds on whether to display East Midlands or Nottingham on their information screens.
The airport has been the subject of jokes, due to its rural location. The most memorable from UK comedian Jasper Carrott, who commented there was a cattle grid at each end of the runway. Also, airport operations frequently had to disperse cattle and sheep before flights could arrive/depart!
In other news –
Jet2 – recently took delivery of their latest A321neo, G-SUNS. In the Jet2.com livery, it’s currently in the hangar before starting flights within the next few days. Work has finished on their new hangar at MAN, with the new Jet2 Holidays signage in place. Various YouTube channels at MAN were able to follow progress, some questioning why it had taken so long to apply a large self-adhesive sticker!
LGA – much excitement at the New York airport recently when United sent a 757-300 to operate a charter flight. Whilst it looks like American carriers will soon become the only airlines operating the “Flying Pencil”, Condor examples can still be seen at PMI, TFS, FUE and ACE.
And finally –
A couple of Public Service Announcements (PSA) which may be useful.
Sunscreen – sadly the incidence of facial skin cancer is rising according to figures from USA. It appears that male pilots, especially with receding hairlines, are most at risk. So, wherever you are in the world, if you have a pilot in your family or friends group, please ensure they use protection.
Theft – last Friday evening whilst loading his vehicle after streaming at LCY, Chris from SDTV Live had his camera, tripod and other equipment stolen. Despite putting up a fight, he was overpowered by 2 males, with a third waiting in a getaway vehicle. He streams from a public area opposite LCY, where there is a carpark. Many of his YouTube followers consider it was pre-planned as he streams alone at this location. Family and friends have rallied to provide replacement equipment, as live streaming on YouTube is his full-time job. So, even if you’re only taking private photos or a short video, please be on your guard especially if you’ve invested in expensive equipment…
Information courtesy of East Midlands Airport, East Midlands Aeropark, AndyThePandy (on X), Jet2
Images courtesy of The Loadstar, AndyThePandy (on X)
©TPSC, LadyJet2 and photo/diagram suppliers