EXETER AIRPORT GUIDE (EXT)

QUICK FACTS Name: Aberdeen International Airport IATA Code: EXT ICAO Code: EGTE Opened: 1938 Terminals: 1 Runways: 1 Destinations served: 58 Passengers: 0.8m (2009)

 

HISTORY

Today, Exeter Airport is living and breathing testament to the marvels of space-age technology and aviation as well as the very best of modern conveniences, comforts, luxuries and style, from the sweeping Exeter Airport parking facilities to the sophisticated and stylish departure lounges. But the airport did not begin its life as one of the United Kingdom’s largest flight hubs. Rather, Exeter Airport began its history as an airfield with one lonely landing strip in 1937, right before the outbreak of World War II.
 
Located east of the city of Exeter, the flight hub officially opened the doors of its single terminal building to the public in 1938. The very first operating airline at the infant Exeter airport was Jersey Airways DH 86. Exeter Airport’s early years were mostly overshadowed by the outbreak of World War II, when its runway, hangar bays and aviation services were dedicated to the RAF Sector Section as well as the United States Army Air force. During the infamous Battle of Britain, Exeter Airport also played a fundamental role as home to Squadron No. 213, No. 87 and No. 601.
 
In the years subsequent to the dissolution of hostilities, the flight hub and its infrastructure underwent massive expansion and development. This saw the addition of the Exeter Airport parking facilities, the lengthening of the runway and the construction of more buildings to house the constant commercial activity that is synonymous with this International flight hub. By 1952, the airport was open to commercial activity again and regularly serviced a number of small airline operators, some of which included the Airways Union, North South Airlines, F & J Mann Airways Ltd., Don Everall Aviation, Jersey Airlines, British Eagle International Airways Ltd. and Brymon Airways Ltd.
 
The next few decades of the Exeter Airport saw it changing hands from the Ministry of Civil Aviation to the Ministry of Defence in 1958 and then, in 1974 from the Ministry of Defence to the Devon County Council. It was only in 2007 that Exeter International airport became the official property of the Regional and City Airports Ltd. Nowadays, Exeter Airport stands a far cry from its original state when the first chartered flight – a Leopard Moth - landed on its airfield on Coronation Day in 1937. Exeter Airport is now a modern aviation hub, a leader in the industry and an example to International airports all over the United Kingdom.