Air facilities at Elstree Aerodrome

Today Elstree is a busy general aviation airfield operated by the Montclare Shipping Company Ltd. Around 120 aircraft - some privately owned - are based at the 70-acre site, which has a 656 metre runway.

However, this was not always the case. Originally the residence of prominent banker Henry Hucks Gibbs, the land was famous for its lush gardens that took up to 60 employees to upkeep.

The estate was eventually turned into a country club, which included a polo ground for it's members. At the time, flying was extremely fashionable and many of the club’s polo players had planes of their own, resulting in the construction of a small hanger to accommodate their needs.

During the war, the concrete runway was laid, together with the present hangars, and the aerodrome had an important role in modifying Wellington bombers.

There are many companies located at the Elstree aerodrome, the major occupant being the Cabair Group of Aviation companies, which operates over 100 aeroplanes and helicopters. Flying lessons are given by the long-established London School of Flying, which is probably the most famous flying school in England.

Cabair has chartered flights for many celebrities from the worlds of politics, sport and entertainment - the latter particularly due to the aerodrome's proximity to the Elstree Film and Television studios.

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