This week (w/c 17th October) Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) marks its anniversary with the unveiling of a photographic exhibition looking back over 80 years of aviation.

The birthday celebrations were continued with some iconic airplanes conducting a fly-past, including two F-16 fighter jets from Belgian Air Forces, a Royal Air Force Tornado, a VC10 transport plane and a Tucano aircraft.

The fly-past could was a terrific treat for all who were passing through the airport and for those who had gathered to celebrate the 80th anniversary.

The exhibition was opened with speeches from Tony Hallwood, LBA’s Commercial and Aviation Development Director and local aviation historian Ken Cothliff, surrounded by many well wishers and aviation enthusiasts.

Ken has spent the last five years researching and piecing together LBA’s history, culminating in the release of his new book ‘Yeadon above the Rest’. The book is available as a standard soft back edition priced at £15, also available is a special limited edition hardback with slip case, embossed in gold (limited to 100 copies only), both numbered and signed by author at £35.

The exhibition (located in the landside food village, 1st floor), which will run until the end of the year, shows Leeds Bradford Airport, its aircraft and it’s key moments through the decades.

Speaking at the event Ken said, "A big thank you to all my supporters, and to the pilots of the fly-over’s who helped to make this such an excellent day. It has been five years in the making, and I am proud to say the book is now available for purchase. It’s not just a historical read about planes and events, but also an insight into the people’s stories, which has made it so interesting. It has been a true labour of love.”

Leeds Bradford Airport also showcased a historic mahogany and brass Rolls-Royce propeller from a Blackburn Kangaroo aircraft, kindly loaned from Multiflight, the Leeds based private aviation company.

LBA’s Tony Hallwood, said, “We are very pleased to have Ken here with us to celebrate 80 excellent years of aviation from Leeds Bradford Airport. As Yorkshire's Gateway Airport, it is important to realise what a fantastic plus the airport is for our region. It’s not just about the last 80 years, but also sets the standard for the next decades as the fastest growing airport in the UK, with three million passengers each year, and serving over 70 destinations.”

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