Barton Aerodrome

Also known as City Airport, Barton Aerodrome is also the home of Manchester Heliport, located to the West of Manchester City Centre, easily accessible from both Salford and Eccles. The Aerodrome was constructed in 1928 and was later requisitioned for use during World War II. The Aerodrome also served as an RAF Reserve Flying School until 1953.

Building of the Airport commenced in March 1929, and to initially reduce costs, the area was limited to 80 acres east of Fox Hill Glen. Officially opening a year later on 29th January 1930, the Aerodrome was equipped with a large hangar designed to house the most advanced passenger aircraft of the time, the Imperial Airways Argosy, A three-engine biplane airliner.

The Airport became the first municipal airfield in the UK to be licensed by the Air Ministry, and the iconic control tower was built shortly after. The first landing was by an Avro Avian. The first large aircraft to use the airfield was the Imperial Airways Argosy on 23rd May that same year.

During World War II, Barton was requisitioned and used for military aircraft repair and overhaul carried out by civilian firms, including Air Taxis LTD. Over 700 Percival Proctor training and communications aircraft were assembled and tested.

Today, the airfield is regularly used as a setting for films and TV programmes, with Island At War and Brass being just some of them. The famous control tower often features in the production and can be easily identified. Barton Aerodrome also hosts a wide selection of Flying Experience days, including Flying Lessons in two-seater aeroplanes and Helicopter Flights, all available to book through Gift Vouchers right here on FlyDays.