Originally Posted by
LGS6753
Speaking of peak days due to sports events, there was a Dutch invasion in the early 70s (?) which involved Transavia, KLM & Martinair - Caravelles, DC-8, DC-8-63, DC-9 & F28.
I remember the apron being full, but not certain when it was. I think the team was called Ajax.
Anyone have any photos of that?
8/4/70 Arsenal played Ajax at Highbury in the old European Fairs Cup. 3 KLM DC-8-50's, 1 KLM DC-8-63, 2 KLM DC-9-10's, 2 KLM DC-9-30's,1 Martinair DC-8-50, 1 Martinair DC-9-30, 1 Martinair F-28, 1 Transavia Caravelle. Bear in mind that Luton didn't handle large 4-engined jets (not counting the Dan Air Comet 4's and the odd BUA VC-10 on diversion), had never seen a 707 until 25/1/70 when the Caledonian example diverted in and as far as I am aware had never seen a DC-8 before, so to get FIVE of them, including a -63 (34ft longer than a 707-320C) - well, just imagine the excitement generated. Note also the nose out parking - must have been interesting on start-up. Fortunately health and safety hadn't been invented....
My photos are mostly rubbish but I'll post them here and apologise in advance for the quality.
PH-MAU
PH-MAU PH-TRN PH-MAR
PH-DEF
PH-DNA
PH-TRN PH-MAR
PH-MAT G-APND 9/4/70
The European Cup Final on 2/6/71 brought in a Pomair DC-8-30, Air Commerz 707-138B, Transavia 707 and several Transavia Caravelles. (I was on holiday in Cornwall and missed everything).