Menu
21/03/2006
City airport to be renamed in honour of George Best
Belfast City Airport is to be renamed as a tribute to soccer legend George Best.
The announcement made today followed a number of discussions with members of the Best family.
A ceremony to unveil the new signage will be held at the east Belfast airport on May 22 to coincide with what would be the former Northern Ireland International's 60th birthday.
Airport Chief Executive Brian Ambrose said: "George Best was the finest footballer Northern Ireland has ever produced and one of the greatest footballers to grace the world stage, and a man who the public had great affection for.
"We believe that renaming the airport after George is a fitting and permanent tribute to his footballing brilliance."
A spokesman for the Best family today said that they were delighted with the gesture
He continued: "The airport is synonymous with east Belfast and with thousands of people using it on a daily basis, George's memory will never be forgotten.
"This is a highly visible and lasting memorial to George that we hope will please many people in Northern Ireland."
Last week, budget airline Flybe, dedicated an aircraft to the memory of the soccer star by placing his image, in his Manchester United glory days on the front of the Belfast to Manchester flight.
It is also understood that Belfast City Council are to erect a statue at an undecided location in the city centre in his honour.
Around 2.2 million travellers use the Belfast City Airport each year and the renaming follows a similar move by the city of Liverpool, which renamed its airport after one of its most famous sons, John Lennon, who died in 1980.
(EF/SP)
The announcement made today followed a number of discussions with members of the Best family.
A ceremony to unveil the new signage will be held at the east Belfast airport on May 22 to coincide with what would be the former Northern Ireland International's 60th birthday.
Airport Chief Executive Brian Ambrose said: "George Best was the finest footballer Northern Ireland has ever produced and one of the greatest footballers to grace the world stage, and a man who the public had great affection for.
"We believe that renaming the airport after George is a fitting and permanent tribute to his footballing brilliance."
A spokesman for the Best family today said that they were delighted with the gesture
He continued: "The airport is synonymous with east Belfast and with thousands of people using it on a daily basis, George's memory will never be forgotten.
"This is a highly visible and lasting memorial to George that we hope will please many people in Northern Ireland."
Last week, budget airline Flybe, dedicated an aircraft to the memory of the soccer star by placing his image, in his Manchester United glory days on the front of the Belfast to Manchester flight.
It is also understood that Belfast City Council are to erect a statue at an undecided location in the city centre in his honour.
Around 2.2 million travellers use the Belfast City Airport each year and the renaming follows a similar move by the city of Liverpool, which renamed its airport after one of its most famous sons, John Lennon, who died in 1980.
(EF/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 July 2012
Aer Lingus To Move To City Airport
Aer Lingus flights are to go from George Best Belfast City Airports as of the autumn. The airline is switching its operations there from its former base at Belfast International Airport. It will fly three flights daily in each direction to both London Heathrow and Gatwick.
Aer Lingus To Move To City Airport
Aer Lingus flights are to go from George Best Belfast City Airports as of the autumn. The airline is switching its operations there from its former base at Belfast International Airport. It will fly three flights daily in each direction to both London Heathrow and Gatwick.
13 April 2011
City Airport's Holiday Routes Opposed
Seven new routes to holiday destinations in continental Europe are to operate from George Best Belfast City Airport - thanks to boosted aircraft engines. Bmibaby will run services to Malaga, Alicante, Palma, Faro, Ibiza, Amsterdam and Geneva.
City Airport's Holiday Routes Opposed
Seven new routes to holiday destinations in continental Europe are to operate from George Best Belfast City Airport - thanks to boosted aircraft engines. Bmibaby will run services to Malaga, Alicante, Palma, Faro, Ibiza, Amsterdam and Geneva.
15 October 2009
Airline To Make 'Easymove' To City
Two so-called low-cost airlines are set to go head-to-head next year with news that Easyjet is to move one of its busiest routes from Belfast International Airport to the George Best Belfast City Airport. The orange and white brightly-liveried planes will operate a twice-daily service to London Luton from 7the January next year.
Airline To Make 'Easymove' To City
Two so-called low-cost airlines are set to go head-to-head next year with news that Easyjet is to move one of its busiest routes from Belfast International Airport to the George Best Belfast City Airport. The orange and white brightly-liveried planes will operate a twice-daily service to London Luton from 7the January next year.
15 May 2023
City Airport Named More Punctual Airport In NI
The George Best Belfast City Airport has been named Northern Ireland's most punctual airport in 2022, by the Civil Aviation Authority. The data analyses arriving and departing scheduled and chartered flights, with figures for 2022 showing that Belfast City Airport matched in its rankings with partner airports East Midlands and Exeter.
City Airport Named More Punctual Airport In NI
The George Best Belfast City Airport has been named Northern Ireland's most punctual airport in 2022, by the Civil Aviation Authority. The data analyses arriving and departing scheduled and chartered flights, with figures for 2022 showing that Belfast City Airport matched in its rankings with partner airports East Midlands and Exeter.
20 July 2021
Three New Ryanair Destinations Added At George Best Belfast City Airport
Ryanair have announced three new flights from George Best Belfast City Airport, servicing Ibiza, Valencia and Milan.
Three New Ryanair Destinations Added At George Best Belfast City Airport
Ryanair have announced three new flights from George Best Belfast City Airport, servicing Ibiza, Valencia and Milan.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
