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The Secret Life of the Airport

Philip Glenister

Clare Sillery

Gaby Hornsby

The Secret Life of the Airport: Episode 1: Preparing for Take Off

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Preparing for Take Off

Episode 1

Episode 1: Preparing for Take Off

BBC Four - The Secret Life of the Airport, Preparing for Take Off

How rivalry, skulduggery and sheer passion for flight gave birth to Britain's airports.

Using rare archive, this series charting the development of Britain's airports begins with the heady glamour of Britain's first terminal at Croydon.

Travel in time from the heady glamour of Britain's first terminal at Croydon to the signs and squiggles that direct pilots, as well as passengers, in today's airports. This series reveals how rivalry, skulduggery and sheer passion for flight gave birth to our airports, turning muddy airfields into the 24-hour mini-cities we know today. In the process, they've transformed Britain - giving us the freedom to travel anywhere we want and inspiring fear about our borders.

Rare archive, access to airports' hidden corners and contributors ranging from philosopher and author Alain de Botton to the man charged with scaring birds off Manchester's runways, reveal all.

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Series charting the development of Britain's airports

Series charting the development of Britain's airports and how they have transformed the country, in the process creating both freedom and fear

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The Secret Life of the Airport

Episode 1: Preparing for Take Off

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