|
London City Airport is a single-runway STOLPORT in East London developed by the private engineering company Mowlem in 1986/87. It has since been extended in three significant stages. The runway was lengthened and the angle of glideslopes was reduced from 7.5 to 5.5 degrees, still relatively steep for a European airport. The western apron was enlarged and a turning loop built in 2003 at the eastern end of the runway.
Queen Elizabeth II officially opened London City Airport in November 1987 and it has become recognised as one of Europe's leading airports for business travel.
Over 1.6 million passengers use the airport annually and its management believes that economic development nearby will sustain a potential for over five million passengers per annum. Domestic routes to Manchester, Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man complement international services.
It is unusual to the extent that, from the opening day, stringent rules were imposed on the noise impact acceptable from each aircraft departure. This, together with the physical dimensions of the runway, limits the range of aircraft types that are acceptable to the airport and planning authorities. Nevertheless it has become a useful adjunct to London's larger airports, particularly for workers frequenting Docklands, and has met its operating costs in recent years. It is an important element in the Newham labour market and, together with the nearby ExCeL centre, has stimulated a local surge of hotel building.
|
|
