A propeller from the aircraft that made the first scheduled flight from Leeds to London in 1919 has been loaned to Leeds Bradford International Airport  (LBIA) for its 80th anniversary by Leeds-based private aviation company Multiflight.

The historic mahogany and brass Rolls-Royce propeller from a Blackburn Kangaroo aircraft, which measures more than two metres across, is thought to be the only surviving part of a Blackburn Kangaroo left in the world.  Twenty of the aircraft: a British twin-engine reconnaissance biplane of the First World War, were built by Blackburn Aircraft.

The propeller was on the aircraft that made the first scheduled flight linking Leeds with London on September 30th 1919.  This service was operated by North Sea Aerial Navigation using two Blackburn Kangaroo aircraft.  These had been built by Blackburn Aircraft at Olympia Works.

This first flight was between Roundhay Park in Leeds and Hounslow, London.  The fare was fifteen pounds and fifteen shillings one way and thirty pounds return.  This was very expensive in 1919 – the return fare would be equivalent to £1,250 in today’s money.

The early flights were the result of a rail strike, when the Government took over most of the civil aircraft belonging to the Kangaroo class for mail flights.  This particular mail flight was between Newcastle and London with a stop at Leeds.

The commercial Kangaroo aircraft was a converted bomber that was fitted with a glazed cabin accommodating seven passengers.  It was regarded as being one of the most luxurious passenger aircraft of the era, as most had an open cabin.  Only three of these aircraft were converted and were bought by Graham White Aviation.  The last Kangaroos were scrapped at Sherburn in 1927.

“The propeller is a magnificent piece of local history and we thought the airport really should have it as it celebrates its 80th anniversary this month,” says Mike McKenzie, Manager of the Multiflight Flight Training Centre at Leeds Bradford International Airport.

“It used to hang on the wall of the Yorkshire Aeroplane Club, which Multiflight acquired in 2000.  When we offered it to the Airport for the anniversary exhibition it was keen to have it.  It will make a great focal point.  The workmanship in it is stunning and the fact that it’s thought to be the only remaining part of a Blackburn Kangaroo aircraft in the world coupled with the fact it belonged to the aircraft that made the first scheduled flight from Leeds to London make it a very special item in terms of local aviation history.”

Tony Hallwood, Leeds Bradford Airport’s Commercial Director, commented “We are delighted that such an important part of Leeds Bradford’s aviation history will be on display at the airport to mark our 80th anniversary. It will serve as an iconic reminder of our region’s longstanding support of air travel both nationally and internationally.”

The propeller will feature in a special 80th anniversary exhibition at the airport opening later this month.

Multiflight offers a full range of aviation services at its base at Leeds Bradford International Airport.  These include aircraft sales, charter, engineering, aircraft management, executive aircraft handling and flight training.  For more details about the company visit www.multiflight.com.

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