Retired Gatwick air traffic control officer publishes sixth aviation book

Previously he has written books on commercial airliners both current and classic and in 2014 he co-authored a major work on the history of aviation in Bermuda. Launched in April 2021, “Classic Gatwick Jetliners” is the much-awaited companion volume to the highly praised “Classic Gatwick Propliners” that came out in 2019.

Gatwick’s very first jetliner touched down on 16 November 1958 and over the next 50 years the airport grew to become Britain’s 2nd busiest airport as well as the busiest single runway airport in the world.

SEE ALSO Plans to convert offices into flats near Gatwick | An annual cash giveaway to worthy causes across Sussex has extended the deadline for applications | Crawley hair and beauty salon gives back to our health heroes

Mr Singfield said: "Sadly Covid 19 has currently reduced Gatwick flights to a trickle and it will certainly be years before Gatwick is running at capacity again.

"The new book is a full colour celebration of all the wonderful jetliners that visited Gatwick for the first 30 years after its re-opening as London’s second major airport in 1958."

More than 200 colour images alongside comprehensive captions describe the early jetliner visits through to the bustling years of the late 1980s. Featuring such iconic types like the de Havilland Comet, the Boeing 707 and the 747 “Jumbo Jet”, this is an enthusiastic and fond tribute to the most colourful period of Gatwick’s aviation history.

The 144-page all-colour book is published by The History Press and retails at £20.00. It is available from local bookshops and the usual online suppliers. Signed copies are available from the author.