London Ashford Airport (Lydd) first opened to the public in 1956. Purpose-built to cater for a superior class of traveller. Politicians, celebrities, and VIPs who wanted their expensive automobiles with them on the mainland continent of Europe.
Luxury, style and speed was expected by this select clientele. It took just under an hour from check-in to touch-down flying to Le Touquet. Among the great and the good to use Silver City were Hollywood legends such as Gregory Peck and Dirk Bogard, along with HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Silver City was a subsidiary of British Aviation Services (Britavia), who operated a regular air service between Lydd and Le Touquet.