A SPECIAL event at Bournemouth Airport was a soaring success attracting around 130 light aircraft to the site on Sunday.

The general aviation day was organised to promote the airport to pilots and emphasise how accessible the site is for users.

Throughout the day, 130 aircraft flew in to the airport for just £5, getting the chance to visit air traffic control and the fire station.

It is the first time an event of this magnitude has been held at the airport, with Bournemouth Airport’s managing director Paul Knight on hand to answer queries from pilots.

Airport spokesperson Sally Windsor said the event had been a ‘great success’.

“The reason we held the event was to show pilots who perhaps don’t come to Bournemouth Airport, just how accessible it is.

“They go to other airfields typically and it was really a great opportunity for them to see how we work.

“We had a lot of visitors from all over the country; some from Northampton and Midlands and others from further afield.

“Hopefully this will mean we will have more people using the airport for general aviation purposes and be visitors to the airport as well.

“It was a great chance for them to see the operational side of things such as the control tower and the fire station. They also had a chat to other users and got to know our team here.

“The weather also played its part; it was glorious.”