Eastern Airways Aircraft Named After Liverpool Comedian

Eastern Airways has today unveiled an aircraft named after legendary Liverpool comedian, Ken Dodd at Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

The UK regional airline, which this week celebrates its first anniversary at Liverpool since starting flights to Aberdeen and Southampton, named the aircraft to honour Ken Dodd, one of Liverpool’s greatest entertainers, for the fun and laughter he has brought to so many people over the years.

The 29-seater British Aerospace built Jetstream 41 aircraft has a caricature of Ken placed on the fuselage next to the entrance door, along with his name and famous welcoming line – “How tickled I am!”

Ken was present to unveil the aircraft in front of passengers, friends, family and employees at Liverpool Airport.

Ken Dodd OBE said: “I’m delighted to have been given this honour with Eastern Airways of having one of their aircraft named after me, and I’m also feeling very plumptious about it. I’ve had a thrilling and exciting afternoon at Liverpool Airport.”

Darren Roberts, Eastern Airways’ communications manager, said: “We’re thrilled to have one of our aircraft named after Ken Dodd. Ken is a comic legend in Liverpool, a leading icon and supporter of the city and airport and we felt this was an appropriate way to pay tribute to him on our first anniversary of flights from Liverpool. Passengers climbing the aircraft steps will see his caricature and name as they board our Liverpool flights, and the aircraft will also fly throughout the UK and Europe.”

Robin Tudor, Peel Airport’s head of PR said: “Ken, who is honorary president of local airport support group – the Friends of Liverpool Airport, came to help celebrate Eastern Airways’ first flights from Liverpool so it was great to see him back here again 12 months on, having one of their aircraft named after him.

“There’s never a dull moment when Ken visits the airport either as a visitor or passenger bringing a smile to all he meets – and today was no different. This is a tremendous gesture by Eastern Airways.”

Eastern Airways has a fleet of 30 aircraft, of which 20 are Jetstream 41 aircraft.

Humberside-based specialist regional airline was formed 12 years ago, and last July started its first scheduled flights from Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Its scheduled services to Aberdeen and Southampton from Liverpool are primarily timed to meet the needs of business travellers.