Gatwick Airport’s History

The name “Gatwick” dates back to 1241, derived from the name of a manor that was situated where the airport stands today. The De Gatwick family owned the land that the airport is now situated on. The airports name comes from the meaning “goat farm” in Anglo Saxon. Ownership of the land changed 1890. The Gatwick Race Course Company bought the land. The new owners opened a racecourse was beside a London-Brighton railway just a year after purchase, along with a station that included sidings for horse boxes.

The airlines choice airport

As a base for offices etc. in London and the South East, charter airlines mainly opt for Gatwick over Heathrow.

The following charter airlines and operators use the airport as a base:

• Aer Lingus
• British Airways (BA)
• EasyJet
• Flybe
• Virgin Atlantic
• Monarch Airlines
• Thomas Cook Airlines
• Thomson Airways

The difference between Gatwick and other airports in London is that it has a significant airline presence.

Global Infrastructure Partners (owners of London City Airport) became the new proprietors of Gatwick in 2009. Prior to this, the airport was owned by BAA, however, due to the Competition Commission finding their market share to be too large, they were forced to sell.

Working at the airport

Gatwick jobs are sought after within the aviation industry. There has been a lot of recent interest in airport jobs following their exposure on TV programmes that focus on the roles of those working in airports. Logistics manager, baggage handler and security officer are just a few examples of airport jobs. For an job at the airport, it is usually required that you have customer service experience.

#1 – Architectural Advances

In 1936, Gatwick unveiled the world’s first circular airport terminal, dubbed the Beehive. Though they are commonplace these days, it was an extraordinary achievement for the time. A direct rail link was also installed for the first time anywhere, which meant that passengers could board their aircraft directly rather than having to travel across the runway by bus or on foot.

#2 – The Blitz

During the second World War, all available resources had to be turned toward keeping Britain safe from the German Luftwaffe. Gatwick participated when it was requisitioned by the RAF as a combat airfield, and provided service to a number of important operations necessary to keeping England’s skies clear of bombers.

#3 – Royal Attentions

Gatwick has been graced on two separate occasions with a Royal presence at important opening ceremonies. Queen Elizabeth II first attended to re-open the airport after it underwent a major redevelopment in 1956, and she returned thirty years later with her husband Prince Phillip to preside over the opening of the new North Terminal.

#4 – A Former Racecourse

Did you know that Gatwick used to be a racecourse? Purchased from private hands in 1890, the land was turned into a modern racing facility that even included its own railway station. It was temporarily home to the Grand National, which is one of the world’s most famous races. It was only when the Beehive opened that it finally lost its racing ties, as up until then Gatwick’s train station was called the Gatwick Racecourse Station.

#5 – Private Fliers

Gatwick was not originally a public airport for major travel. In the 20′s and 30′s, for example, it was a private flying club controlled by Ronald Waters. The flying club that used it, which was the Surrey Aero Club, became so popular though, and brought so much attention to the airport, that it was soon granted a commercial flying license, which meant that members of the public could fly in and out of it.

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This article is sponsored by a Gatwick car hire company – http://www.gatwickcarhire.org.uk