Barton Aerodrome 54, Ringway 55

1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s

Having had difficulties landing Smirnoff's verdict was that "Barton is too small and we cannot operate without major improvements". In addition, KLM also said that the number of days with bad weather and poor visibility coupled with local obstructions such as high tension electricity pylons and high chimneys made it the worst flying ground known to them in Europe.

An inquiry was held by Manchester Corporation and alternative airfield locations were proposed by the Airport Special Committee. These were at Audenshaw, Bury and an area of land owned by three farmers at Ringway about half a mile outside the City's southern boundary.

To counter KLM the famous aviation pioneer Sir Alan Cobham supported improving Barton. A ballot was held for councillors to choose between Barton or Ringway. The result was Barton 54 Ringway 55. Ringway had won by one vote and in 1934 Manchester had decided on a new Airport.

This wasn't the end for Barton as it was used as the City's main airport until the opening of Ringway. It continued to host numerous scheduled services and air pageants such as the Air Race and Flying Display shown opposite. It was also used as a test site for aircraft such as the Fairey Hendon bombers built at Heaton Chapel in Stockport and the Trafford Park built Hillson Praga aircraft.

Barton had an important war time role assembling brand new aircraft such as the Fairey Barracuda and repairing large numbers of aircraft such as Avro Ansons, Hawker Hurricanes and Fairey Battles for return to the flying services. Despite the small size of the airfield larger bombers all arrived and departed successfully and even a Lancaster landed there mistaking the airfield for nearby RAF Burtonwood but flew safely in and out.

After the war Ringway took away the major airlines services. Barton remained active helped by the Lancashire Aero club which moved in from Woodford and the rapid growth of private flying. It hosted the successful Manchester Airshow for many years until 1994 although it briefly returned in 2015.

The airfield was sold to Peel Holdings Group in 2003 and known for a while as City Airport. Its name later returned to Manchester Barton Aerodrome, reflecting its heritage. As well as accommodating many fixed wing aircraft it also has a helicopter facility basing the National Police Air Service, the North West Air Ambulance and often receives military helicopters for refuelling. The plaque opposite issued by the Transport Heritage Trust is affixed to the Barton Control tower.