Heritage

Gloucestershire Airport is the heart of an important heritage centre for British aviation. HH Martyn first produced military aircraft in nearby Cheltenham Spa during the First World War. In 1917 his company became the Gloucestershire Aircraft Company Ltd. This was soon relocated to Brockworth and its name shortened to Gloster. Gloster manufactured many legendary aircraft, including the Gladiator, the Whittle-engined E28 (the first jet aircraft to fly in Britain), the Meteor jet fighter and the delta wing Javelin all weather fighter. We are fortunate to have a rare and fine example of the Javelin on display at our Airport.

Sir George Dowty developed his unique internally sprung wheel here, which was fitted to the Gloster Gladiator. Over 70 years later, Messier Dowty and Dowty Rotol, the descendants of his famous company, are still at the Airport, building landing gear and propellers for world markets.

The Skyfame Museum was founded at our airport in 1963. This was one of the first museums in Britain to dedicate itself to the preservation of Second World War aircraft. In many cases, it saved unique aircraft otherwise destined for fire practice.

Cheltenham is also the birthplace of such figures as Sir Frederick Handley Page and Sir Arthur (Bomber) Harris.

In recognition of this heritage, Gloucestershire Airport offers half-price landings for all home-based and visiting aircraft manufactured before 1950. These aircraft also benefit from a 25% discount on hangarage charges. The Airport, in its beautiful Cotswold setting, is ideal for historic aircraft. Its three asphalt runways mean that crosswinds are rare. Additionally, we have a 300-metre grass runway for those types needing it.