Pembrey Airport, Pembrey, Carmarthenshire.

In August 1997, Wales´ links with the rest of the world received a major boost when Pembrey Airport, near Llanelli, was opened by the Secretary of State for Wales.

Ever since the outbreak of the Second World War, RAF Pembrey has had an active and colourful flying history.

Construction of the airfield started in 1937 and by September of 1939, the RAF's No. 2 Air Armament School was the first unit to be stationed at the airfield.

By June 1940, Fighter Command was using Pembrey as a base for the numerous fighter squadrons caught up in Britain's "finest hour...". During this period Pembrey gained honours as a Battle of Britain Airfield.

It is believed that 25 official kills were accredited to aircraft flown out of Pembrey during the war years.

Between 1941 and 1945 Pembrey was host to the RAF's Air Gunnery School, after which its activities relaxed a little and it became an air crew holding unit for war weary crews being demobbed.

Fighter Command once again took over as custodians in 1946, and remained there, (with the exception of a period from 1949 to 1952, when the RAF Regiment were based at Pembrey), until their final service days and the airfields eventual closure on the 13th July 1957.

The airport, is positioned on a scenic coastal plain. It offers easy access to those who visit by plane or by car and is the perfect gateway to both South and West Wales.

The Airport Facilities inculde - The Amelia Restaurant. Providing refreshments throughout the day, ranging from a full breakfast, to a Sunday lunch or an evening meal. Restaurant bookings can be made on (07968) 867116. The departure lounge and check in desk cater for passengers on private, commercial and charter flights. The airport offers extensive free parking facilities for both short and long term stays.

With road links in the surrounding areas recently upgraded, access to the main tourist resorts, industrial and business centres of South and West Wales, and the ferry terminals at Swansea, Fishguard and Pembroke Dock are all just a short car journey away.

For more infomation on Pembrey Airport - www.pembreyairport.com

Directions to the Pembrey Airport

From M4 (Cardiff) - Take the M4 to Pont Abraham (J49). Then take the A48 to Carmarthen Roundabout. Then the A484 South to Pembrey Airport

From the West - Take the A40 to Carmarthen roundabout. Then the A484 South to Pembrey Airport