Exeter Airport

About Exeter Airport

Exeter Airport was first opened in 1937 and operated from a "tented terminal" before the permanent buildings were completed. The first commercial charter flight into Exeter was in 1937 when a Leopard Moth of Air Dispatch with their Chief Pilot, S.W. Scott landed with photographs of the Coronation for the Express and Echo newspaper. During the same month, this was followed by a service to the Channel Islands by Jersey Airways and a steady growth in air services developed to the Channel Islands. Railway Air Services operated flights to Plymouth and Cardiff from Exeter.

The Great Devon Air Race was first flown in 1937. The Devon Air Trophy, presented by the Western Morning News newspaper, was won by Captain Phillips flying an Avro 504N G-ADEV, the winner on handicap. The Teignmouth Air Trophy, presented by the Teignmouth Urban District Council, was won by a Mr. Henshaw and his son Alex, flying a Percival Mew Gull G-AEXF, for the fastest time. Alex Henshaw was later to became a famous test pilot.

In May 1939, the Great Western and Southern Air Lines began a daily service to Bristol-Exeter-Plymouth-Land's End-Isles of Scilly.

A branch of the Civil Air Guard was formed at Exeter in the summer of 1939. Soon after the outbreak of war, all civil schedules were withdrawn. Exeter had an outstanding record during the war years becoming an R.A.F. Sector Station controlling Harrowbear, Church Stanton (later renamed Culmhead) and the Bolt Head Advanced Landing Ground. It was also the headquarters of the Polish day-fighter Wing No 2 of which 302 and 316 Squadron were at Church Stanton and 317 squadron at Exeter. 307 Squadron of the Polish Air Force was also stationed at Exeter and operated night fighters. The squadron was known locally as "Defenders of Exeter". Station 463 of the United States Army Air Force was also based at Exeter.

On 1st January 1947, control of Exeter Airport was transferred to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the management and operation of the airport returned to Exeter Airport Ltd under lease from the Ministry of Defence. Chrislea Aircraft Limited moved from Heston and set up a small production line for Super Aces and Skyjeeps. The No. 10 Reserve Flying School was formed in 1949 and this was followed by the formation of the No. 3 Civil Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit which was run under contract from the Ministry of Defence.

In 1952 Exeter Airport Ltd attracted into the airport the first post-war civil airline, Jersey Airlines, who were followed by British Westpoint Airlines, Mayflower Air Services, South West Aviation, Morton Air Services. Schedule services were gradually developed as airlines appreciated the high level of service and facilities that were provided at Exeter Airport. The excellent natural weather factor ensured few delays, and diversions were almost unheard of. Exeter International Airport still maintains this impressive record. The popularity of Exeter Airport was due to the high level of personal interest in the airline's development and the constant endeavours of the staff in ensuring that passengers received every help and assistance. The growth of civil traffic developed alongside the continuing military use (No.3 Civil Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit still being in operation), resulting in a growing number of aircraft movements at the airport.

In 1971 the military use was transferred to the Royal Air Force and it was necessary to replan completely the future of the Airport. Situated in the Centre of the South Western peninsula and only 5 miles east of the City of Exeter, it was the obvious Airport to serve the region. The former Devon County, Exeter City and Torbay Borough Councils, as a consortium, purchased the Airport from the Ministry of Defence. Exeter Airport Ltd presented recommendations on the future developments to ensure that the Airport would play an important part in the future U.K. air traffic plan. The whole development project was accepted and the majority of those works have been completed.

In 1973 Devon County Council took over sole ownership of the airport from the former local consortium.

2000 Exeter Airport embraces name change from Saturday 15th July 2000 the airport is known as EXETER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. Geoff Myers, Managing Director of Exeter International Airport said: "The decision to change the name was taken following two exceptional years where record numbers of passengers had passed through the Airport to an ever increasing range of domestic and international destinations."

The official renaming ceremony took place on Saturday 15th July 2000, to coincide with the day's first inbound Concorde flight.

Exeter Airport - Facilities

International Departure Lounge is fully air conditioned with seating for in excess of two hundred passengers. Duty & Tax Free Shopping available together with licensed bar and toilet facilities. A separate designated smoking area is provided.

Security Department
Provides passenger and baggage search services using a team of highly trained officers to meet regulations set out by the Department of Transport to ensure the safety of all passengers.

Car Parking
Long and short stay car parks are operated by National Car Parks Limited with a "Pay-on-foot" system.

Car Hire
Car Hire facilities are available.

Passenger Handling
Customer Service Agents staff the check-in area and provide a friendly service to passengers. Designated check-in desks accept baggage for departing flights.

Orchard Restaurant
Situated on the ground floor, the restaurant offers a variety of beverages, snacks and hot dishes.

Conference Room
Available for half day, evening and day hire. Seating capacity for up to forty people. Boardroom, classroom and theatre style arrangements. Catering and presentation equipment also available.

Travel Agency & Bureau de Change

Making travel arrangements for early bookings, late escapes, flights only and travel insurance. The Bureau de Change offers a full range of currencies and travellers cheques.

Concourse Shop
This shop is well stocked with an extensive range of publications, together with cards, confectionery and last minute travel needs.

Disabled Access
Special toilet facilities are provided within the main terminal, International Departures and Arrivals Hall. Ramp access both airside and landside. Designated parking areas available within the long and short stay car parks. Wheelchair assistance available upon request.

Arrivals Hall
Spacious International and Domestic baggage reclaim facilities, easing the collection of bags and transit though the airport.

Duty & Tax Free Shopping

Licensed bar on the first floor and has extensive views over looking the airfield, and adjoining the public viewing balcony.

http://www.exeter-airport.co.uk