About us
Where History Meets the Horizon
Step into the story of Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport (ICAO: EGBO) – a landmark of British aviation that has soared from its Royal Air Force origins in 1941 to become one of the UK’s most vibrant general aviation hubs.
Nestled across 400 acres of South Staffordshire countryside, our airfield is more than runways and hangars – it’s a living piece of aviation heritage, now home to thriving flight schools, private operators, and a welcoming community of enthusiasts. From wartime training missions to modern-day flying adventures, this is an airport where tradition and innovation take off together.
Our Heritage
Built in 1941 as RAF Bobbington, the airfield was a vital training base during World War II. Renamed RAF Halfpenny Green in 1943 to avoid confusion with RAF Bovingdon, it hosted key units such as No. 3 Air Observer & Navigator School and No. 2 Air Signallers School, flying legendary aircraft like the Avro Anson. For over a decade, the site supported RAF operations before transitioning to civil aviation in 1961, marking the start of its new chapter as a centre for private and commercial flying.
Our history is written in the hangars and runways that remain today – including the iconic Bellman hangar, a wartime structure still in use. From training navigators for the war effort to welcoming thousands of flying enthusiasts, Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport has always been about connecting people with the skies.
History Timeline
- 1940–1941 – Construction begins for RAF Bobbington.
- 1941 – Official opening as RAF Bobbington; home to No. 3 Air Observer & Navigator School.
- 1943 – Renamed RAF Halfpenny Green to avoid confusion with RAF Bovingdon.
- 1945 – RAF training operations wind down after WWII.
- 1952–1953 – Flying resumes with No. 2 Air Signallers School.
- 1956 – RAF maintenance unit closes; airfield falls into disuse.
- 1961 – Civil aviation begins; airport opens to the public.
- 1972 – Prince William of Gloucester, cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, pilots a Piper Cherokee and crashes on takeoff during a racing event. The Prince and his passenger both die at Wolverhampton Airport.
- 2006 – Ambitious plans were submitted by previous owners to turn Wolverhampton Airport from a small-airfield to an international airline airport, capable of accepting Boeing 737s, with up to 500,000 passengers a year.
- 2019 – Plans submitted by previous owners to build 112 houses onsite, rejected by the at time local MP & Secretary of State for Education.
- 2023 – New owners (who are aviators themselves) acquire the airport, securing its future and committing to growth as a thriving aviation and business hub.
- May 2024 – Amelia’s Bar & Restaurant opens, a £1M investment offering panoramic runway views and a premium dining experience for visitors.
- December 2024 – Major upgrade announced: runway resurfacing, expanded parking apron, modernised fuel bay, and LED lighting installation to enhance safety and efficiency.
- Present Day – A bustling general aviation centre with over 50,000 annual aircraft movements.
Today - Your General Aviation Hub
Fast forward to the present, and we’re proud to be one of the UK’s busiest general aviation airports, handling over 50,000 aircraft movements every year. We hold a CAA Public Use Aerodrome Licence (P872), enabling both passenger transport and professional flight training.
Our facilities include:
- Hard and grass runways, ideal for a wide range of aircraft and training needs.
- Six fixed-wing schools, one rotary school, and a microlight school, offering everything from professional pilot training to trial lessons for beginners.
- Over 105 private aircraft based on-site, supported by expert maintenance providers and aviation services.
- A thriving business community, with aviation and non-aviation companies choosing our location for its accessibility and prestige.
More Than An Airport
Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport isn’t just a place for pilots – it’s a destination for everyone who loves aviation, great food, and unforgettable experiences.
Step inside Amelia’s Bar & Restaurant, our stunning £1M investment opened in May 2024, and enjoy delicious meals with panoramic runway views. Watch aircraft take off and land while relaxing in a modern, stylish setting designed for families, friends, and aviation enthusiasts alike.
Looking for adventure? Our flying schools offer trial lessons in fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and microlights, giving you the chance to experience the thrill of flight for yourself. Whether you’re planning a private journey, learning to fly, or simply enjoying a day out, there’s something here for everyone.
And it doesn’t stop there – with events, open days, and a growing community of businesses, Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport is a hub of activity where history meets hospitality.
Why Visit Us?
Because Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport is more than just an airfield – it’s an experience.
- Step Into History
Walk the same grounds that trained RAF navigators during World War II and explore an airfield that has been part of Britain’s aviation story for over 80 years. - Enjoy Amelia’s Bar & Restaurant
Opened in May 2024 after a £1M investment, Amelia’s offers delicious food, panoramic runway views, and a stylish space to relax. Perfect for families, friends, and aviation enthusiasts. - Feel the Thrill of Flight
Take to the skies with trial lessons in fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, or microlights. Whether it’s your first flight or the start of a new passion, our schools make it possible.. - Perfect Location
Just 8 miles from Wolverhampton and 20 miles from Birmingham, we’re easy to reach and ideal for a day out or a flying adventure. - A Hub of Activity
From aviation businesses to community events, Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport is a place where people come together to share their love of flight.
Amelia's Bar & Restaurant
Open 9am – 5pm, 7 days a week.
