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Heathrow's 80th Birthday: Poem Takes Flight
30 May
Summary
- A poem by Heathrow's poet-in-residence is visible from the sky.
- The airport, originally London Airport, marked 80 years.
- Its first commercial flight departed on May 31, 1946.
Heathrow Airport is celebrating its 80th anniversary with a distinctive aerial art installation. A section of a poem crafted by the airport's poet-in-residence, David Larbi, has been emblazoned in monumental letters across a field near the west London site. This poetic message is designed to be seen by passengers traveling overhead.
The poem, titled "Gateway To The World," reflects on Heathrow's significance as a hub for dreams and aspirations. The airport, which began its commercial operations as London Airport, traces its origins back to May 31, 1946. On that inaugural date, a converted Lancaster bomber embarked on the airport's first commercial flight, carrying passengers to Buenos Aires.
