Once-in-a-lifetime sight as four giant US Army helicopters touch down at one of Britain’s most remote airports

Four US Army Chinook helicopters made a spectacular appearance at Land’s End Airport in Cornwall this afternoon, creating a once-in-a-lifetime sight at one of the UK’s smallest commercial airports.

The four twin-rotor military helicopters landed at the airport to refuel, bringing an extraordinary piece of military aviation to Cornwall’s far west.

The arrival of the Chinooks – instantly recognisable for their distinctive tandem motors and imposing size – is a remarkable contrast to the airport’s usual operations, which primarily connect Cornwall with the Isles of Scilly using much smaller Twin Otter aircraft.

Situated just a few miles from Land’s End, the airport is more accustomed to welcoming the 16-seater passenger planes operated by Skybus than a formation of four US Army Chinooks.

Land’s End Airport, owned and operated by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, is the gateway to the Isles of Scilly and the home of Skybus since the 1980s.

Chris Pearson, Manager of Land’s End Airport, said: “It’s not every day you see one Chinook at Land’s End Airport – let alone four. It was a real privilege to welcome them here today.

“These are enormous helicopters, and seeing four arriving together at our airport at the very western tip of Cornwall was an incredible sight. It’s never happened before and I can’t imagine it will happen again.

“The visit highlights the unique versatility of Land’s End Airport. We may be small, but we can certainly hold our own alongside much larger airports. We play a hugely important role in connecting Cornwall with the Isles of Scilly.

“Our passengers love travelling through Land’s End Airport and it’s easy to see why. Not only is it a modern and vibrant setting, with incredible views, but it also boasts a stunning exposed timber-framed terminal building with a log burner that makes the whole travel experience really special. Passengers often tell us their holidays have started as soon as they get to Land’s End Airport.”

There has been an airport at Land’s End since June 1937, when site preparation for a new aerodrome was completed. Landing rights were secured between Penzance and St Mary’s by Cobham Air Services.

The aerodrome consisted of a field near Kelynack with a 2,100ft runway, 4,000sq ft hangar, booking office, fuel store and basic servicing facilities.

In April 2021, the 15-minute flight between Land’s End and the Isles of Scilly was named the UK’s busiest flight route – making it busier than London Heathrow to New York JFK.

In May 2021, the airport was designated a regional hub for the G7 Summit, held at nearby Carbis Bay.