London City Airport’s runway designators ‘28’ and ‘10’ are the abbreviated magnetic runway headings of 280° and 100°. These headings are used to identify the direction in which the runway was being used.

As the earth slowly orbits in a circular path, the direction from a fixed object, like the airport’s runway, to magnetic northis constantly moving.

The direction of magnetic north decreases by approximately eight minutes of a degree every 12 months, therefore every seven and a half years it is altered by one degree. The amount of annual change depends on where in the world the fixed object is located.

In the UK, there is a directional change moving west which causes the runway heading to decrease. This means that the magnetic heading of the airport’s runway has moved by almost 10°since being established in 1987. Consequently last night (1/2 July) London City Airport’s runway designation was changed to 270° and 090°, abbreviated as ’27’ and ‘09’.

A team of staff and contractors worked throughout the night to change the airport’s signage and paint markings. In addition a comprehensive document change took place, whereby all official charts and reference material were amended to reflect the change.

Pilots flying into London City Airport today will notice the new markings on the runway whilst staff on the ground indeed felt the earth move under their feet.

It may be at least 50 years before the runway designation needs to change again at London City Airport. 

In keeping with the airport’s long term focus on promoting health and well-being in the community, this year’s Fun Day has a sporting theme with the opportunity for visitors to celebrate the Olympics and Paralympics coming to London. Entry to the Fun Day is free along with many attractions. All other activities cost just £1 and all money raised on the day will be donated to Richard House Children’s Hospice which provides care and respite to children with life-limiting illnesses.

The airport’s Chief Executive, Richard Gooding OBE said: “The Fun Day began as just a small tea party held at the airport as a way for us to acknowledge the support of the community. As the community and the airport grew, so did the Fun Day. Now in its 13th year, the Fun Day has been transformed into a huge festival which last year attracted over 22,000 visitors”. Richard continued: “as well as raising money for a worthy charity, it is also our opportunity to give something back to the local community”.

The Fun Day includes London’s only air show, once-in-a-lifetime tours of an aircraft cockpit and the opportunity to explore the cabin of a British Airways aircraft as well as the opportunity to have your photo taken with the Barclay Premiership Football Trophy.

If you are feeling energetic come along and perfect your football skills with West Ham United football coaches on a giant inflatable football pitch, shoot some hoops with National Basketball Association or make a dash for the finish line on a 50 metre running track. Fight for Peace will be offering taster boxing lessons to those brave enough to get into the ring and children can hit the synthetic slopes in the ski play area. With so many sporting activities taking place the Newham Sport Academy team will also be on site scouting the Fun Day crowds in the hope of head hunting for talented Newham residents.

We look forward to seeing everyone on the 4th!

For more information regarding the London City Airport Fun Day visit www.funday2009.com

On collecting the award, Richard commented: “The Dedication to Staff Development and Training award acknowledges London City Airport’s commitment to its staff through significant investment in developmental training. We have long been champions of promoting career advancement for local people, encouraging personal development, and investing in training programmes that enable our staff to enjoy good long term careers at the airport.”

 “This award,“ Richard continued “is a tribute to our Community Relations team, headed by Elizabeth Hegarty, who have successfully devised and implemented these personal development programmes.”

London City Airport is a significant local employer, with 70% of over 2,000 on-site staff recruited from the local area into a wide range of roles. The airport operator and its 58 on-site partner businesses have long been committed to recruiting staff from the local area, ensuring that local people benefit from the employment opportunities created by the growth of the airport. The airport is almost a 'finishing school' where it invests in and develops local people.

Over £165,000 was invested during 2008 for employee personal development training, available to all staff at London City Airport.

Visitors can also reach new heights in an British Airways aircraft de-icer. The sky high rides in the de-icer will take passengers over 25 feet high offering amazing views of the Fun Day arena, the airport’s runway, ExCel London and Canary Wharf.
Take to the controls and fly a state-of-the-art aircraft simulator under the instruction of a British Airways pilot. With real aircraft instruments, full motion, surround sound and stunning visuals, this is as real as it gets. For novices who don't know anything about flying, the pilots will be on hand to guide them through their experience from take-off to landing. These multi-million pound simulators are used all day, every day, to train British Airways pilots so this exclusive opportunity is definitely not to be missed.

Children can really let their imaginations run wild by delving into the British Airways dressing up box. Full to the brim with mini pilot and cabin crew uniforms and accessories this area is sure to be a hit and the ideal family photo opportunity. Once the children are in uniform the British Airways cabin crew will explain their in-flight duties and act out role plays with the new recruits. The children will learn everything from on board customer services to safety procedure demonstration for a full British Airways experience.

Other fun activities for the children within the dedicated village include a drumming and dance workshops with Brazilian group Meninos Oldham which British Airways have supported since 2004. Once participants have perfected their new percussion and dance skills they will be combined for a crowd pleasing performance.

For more information regarding the exciting London City Airport Fun Day visit www.funday2009.com

• Four return flights to Barcelona, courtesy of British Airways

• A digital camera, an Xbox or an iPod.Courtesy of Kelway (UK). Ltd

• A collection of autographed books. Courtesy of WHSmith

• LEGOLAND passes for a family of four, courtesy of LEGOLAND Windsor

• A paintball session for ten people worth £350. Courtesy of The Paintball Centre, Canary Wharf

• A two night stay in a five star hotel for you and a guest including breakfast, courtesy of Marriott West India Quay Hotel

• A West Ham United hospitality suite for up to ten people to see a premiership match, courtesy of West Ham United

• A signed Arsenal football shirt, tickets for a premiership football match, a signed West Ham United football shirt or an opportunity for a child to be a mascot at a premiership football match, courtesy of Barclays

• Reebok Gym membership for three months worth £350, courtesy of Reebok Gym, Canary Wharf

For your chance to win simply complete the below Prize Draw coupon and hand it in along with £1 per entry at the London City Airport Community stand opposite the main stage at the Fun Day. Entries are unlimited so the more time you enter the greater your chances of winning one of the fantastic prizes. Prize Draw tickets can also be purchased at the London City Airport Community stand on the day. All cash raised on the day is donated directly to Richard House Children’s Hospice.  The hospice provides care and respite to families and children with life-limited illnesses.

Last year saw 22,000 visitors so come along and join the fun. Popular with people of all ages, the Fun Day really does have something for everyone.  For more information about what is in store at the Fun Day visit www.funday2009.com