Luton Airport

Thanks man first time I caught the fat little orange. Hmm summer schedule I think is usually one 777 a week. Not sure this one was expected, I saw it on virtual radar while at home so took a walk down to the field. With ELAL i’ve learned to expect anything from a 738 to an Israir/SunDOR plane.. just gotta be lucky.

Nice catch with the orange easy!

Since when has ElAl been using 777’s to luton?

Confirmed as 22nd July 1968.

43-15987, C-47A-DL, 20453
OY-DDO
EI-AFB
VR-TBT
G-APPO

Thanks Wieeso,
Jim

Another thing that identifies this photo as 1968 are the two Britannia Airways Britannias (one outside and one in the hangar). In 1967 the tail colours were two blue stripes with the Britannia motif in light blue. In 1968 they changed this and deleted the stripes and put the Britannia logo on a black disc. You can clearly see the latter on the tails of the Brits visible.

43-15987, C-47A-DL, 20453
OY-DDO
EI-AFB
VR-TBT
G-APPO

Am I right that PPO was once EI-AFB which I logged at Newcastle in 1956?
Jim

G-APPO was sold in Aug 1967 and was derelict at Luton till moved by road by A.J Walter Ltd of Horley as spares in March 1970. I went on a Dan-Air BAC 1-11 to Palma and saw the aircraft derelict by Mc Alpines hangar 24/5/69. The grass was concreted over not long after.

Two pics of Luton on 14 June 1968 .First is of G-APPO in the same position as shown in the aerial photo.

And the second is of Monarch Brit G-AOVI

Ah those were the days! Its a fascinating photo which would have been taken in the late 1960’s I think. The small building immediately next to the terminal was a cafe which had a little viewing area in front of it. I spend quite a few hours as a kid watching the planes from there. Most movements were Britannia, Monarch and Autair planes, plus a few Dan-Air charters as well as racehorse freighters. McAlpine had a big fleet, near the Dove is either an AeroCommander or possibly their Piaggio P166 which was always a favorite as a kid!

If that is a Riley Dove to the left of McAlpine, I have the last leaving Oct.1967(SAAF 108/G-ASUW to be OO-BPL).

Do you have any other photos of Luton from around that time?

Here is my contribution but I can’t remember the year.

G-APPO was reduced to spares in August 1967.

I’ve walked across the empty stand 9 in the near corner of the apron many times. Looks to be an Autair Ambassador being scrapped by the distant hangars.

I’d say correct. Note the old Autair DC-3 G-APPO parked in front of McAlpines hangar.

OOoopppss ! Yes you are correct ! got my P’s and V’s mixed, but hey that comes with age ? Thank you.

Keith.

The 737’s were actually registered VRL, VRM and VRN.

Well …. this is stretching my memory to the limits !!!! I worked at Luton, often for long periods in that era, carrying out electrical contracts for the “borough corporation” whilst involved with the installation of the Cat 3 approach system at whatever heading No the runway has at that end, I was also involved with the electrical supply to the ‘new’ terminal building which involved the complete re-location of a sub station just out of view in Busters photo ? Bear with me …… At that time Britannia had just taken delivery of their first Boeing 737’s (the first in the UK ?) G-APRL, G-APRM, G-APRN, one two or possibly all three of these aircraft were constantly bashing the circuit, crew training, at that time !!! constantly denieing us access to the runway for lighting repairs and updates ????? But to the point ….. all three of those aircraft were registered (thanks to G-INFO) 0n 14 July 1967 so I can assure you that at that date and for a very long time following the ‘new terminal’ was nowhere near being opened, which it obviously is in the photo, judging by the number of cars in the car park, it has been so for some time !!!! Phew !!

Keith.

I would not argue too much with that date… Britannia Brit… Autair 1-11… It could be 1969 though!

RE: Luton Airport

From my Knowledge EasyJet own/rent some main aprons and that is why they have all their own equipment and signs for each aircraft and where it is going to, they are pernament signs, when lots of easyjet flights arrive they put them in other aprons round the side where u taxi in and also at the end of the main stands.

Andrew M