Great Pictures. I particularly like the BMI 319 with the stormy-sky background!

I don’t think there is any physical reason why LBA cannot handle 747’s. Wardair were taken over (I believe) by CP Air who reversed Wardair’s philosophy of flying out to various UK and European regional airports on a once a week basis, preferring instead to fly increased frequences to larger gateway airports.

Since Wardair ceased LBA has seen several 747 arrivals including Corsair, and Icelandic Air Atlanta flying Football and Religous excursions.

Absoloutely great aircraft.

My first flight was on board an Air-Europe “Easter Bunny” Pleasure light from LBA, the highlights of which were a slow speed pass above an north sea oil rig and a very low approach (almost touch and go) and go-around at Linton on Ouse – what power from those RR engines.

More recently I’ve been lucky enough to fly AA 757’s several times out of John Wayne Orange County in Los Angeles, which has a very short runway of about 5500 feet, and very strict noise abtement procedure, one pilot summed it up perfectly calmly informing us that “take off would be like a rocket setting off, but not to worry – the heaters are built by Rolls Royce, the finest engines in the world!” – couldn’t argue with him there!

To quote from www/lbia/co/uk new release of the time
“11 November 2002

Jet 2 Delivers Low Fares to the Yorkshire Region

Leeds Bradford International Airport today announced that low cost carrier, JET 2, a subsidiary of Dart Group PLC, the aviation services and distribution group with over 20 years commercial aviation experience, has chosen the airport as its base. Launching its first flights in February 2003, the airline will operate 4 Boeing 737-300 aircraft next summer and will be flying to a range of European business and holiday destinations dramatically expanding the destinations served from Leeds Bradford. JET 2 aims to deliver low cost flights to the Yorkshire community and beyond.

* Routes to be announced in November”

The rest, as they say is history!