Shoreham Airport News

Shoreham Airport Gift Shop opening from Monday 1st June

Based in the main terminal building, and selling ice cream, gifts and other goodies!!

Newspapers are also going to be on sale.

John Haffenden, Airport Manager celebrates 40 years at Shoreham Airport

A celebration was held in the Pashley Suite of the Airport Terminal Building on Monday 22 September 2008 to commemorate the 40 years that John Haffenden has spent at Shoreham Airport.

It wasn't John's intention to make a career in aviation. His original plan to go to college and do a hotel management course was put on hold because he applied too late and the course was full. He intended to get on the course the following year but In the meantime, with his great interest in aircraft and aviation he managed to get a part time job at the flying group owned by Cecil Pashley, in fact John was the last person he employed!

Whilst at the club, part of John's salary was paid in flying lessons and within a short time he had his pilot's licence, almost at the same time as he learned to drive. He then became interested in air traffic control and the rest of course is history - he passed all his air traffic qualifications and worked for more than twenty years in ATC before becoming the first Operations Manager in 1992 and then in 1994 Airport Manager.

As the manager, his drive and dedication to the airport has seen it expand and become the vibrant successful place it is today and as a boss, his support and loyalty to his staff is second to none.

We hope that John has many more happy years at Shoreham Airport.

John and his family

Nonie Cellier, daughter of Cecil Pashley having a chat with Toon Ghose who learnt to fly at Shoreham as a young man. The arrival of Cecil Pashley was so important to the airport's future back in 1913. Cecil Pashley being a pioneer aviator who established a flying school and a works for buiding planes.

Invited Guests

After the speeches, Chris McVitty, Director, Albemarle Shoreham Airport Limited congratulating John on 40 years.

Director, Albemarle Shoreham Airport Limited, Chris McVitty mid speech

15th April 2008

Erinaceous Group plc (in Administration) has today sold its interest in Shoreham Airport to Albemarle Shoreham Airport Limited.

Albemarle Investment Syndicates already owns the commercial properties at Shoreham and the acquisition reunites the Airport into single control.

Albemarle remains commited to the regeneration of the Airport in accordance with the vision of the joint owning Councils when the Airport was originally sold in June 2006.

The Airport re opens for business immediately and we are delighted that this has taken place within a day of the Administration.

John Haffenden

Airport Manager

Shoreham Airport.

John Haffenden
Airport Manager and Airshow Committee member