If you thought that Liverpool was just about football and the Beatles, then it may surprise you to learn that there is a thriving international airport in the city.

Here are 10 things you didn’t know about Liverpool Airport

1. Liverpool Airport was established in 1928, and the first flight took off in 1933. The airport celebrated its 75th birthday in July 2008.

2. This airport is one of the fastest growing UK airports, and is a viable alternative to Manchester and the London airports for a lot of passengers.

3. Liverpool John Lennon airport had over 5.5 million passengers in 2007, and this figure is set to increase dramatically with the success of Liverpool as the 2008 European Capital of Culture.

4. Over 60 domestic and European destinations can be reached from the airport in Liverpool. These are served by some of the leading low cost airlines, to make travel worldwide accessible to as many people as possible.

5. Over the last 8 years, more than £100m has been spent to improve the terminal building, runways, and hangars. Liverpool John Lennon Airport has increased its capacity, increased the number of passengers and increased the number of airlines flying from this airport.

6. The airport was rebranded in 2002 as Liverpool John Lennon Airport, with Yoko Ono unveiling a 7ft statue of her late husband. The city is forever linked with the Beatles and John Lennon, and their music is well known worldwide. It is fitting then, that the line «above us only sky» from John Lennon’s song Imagine, is part of the logo and branding for the airport.

7. The new terminal building at Liverpool Airport was officially opened by the queen in July 2002. This new building has improved facilities for passengers, including more restaurants, and retail outlets so that passengers can buy last minute essentials before they travel. In addition, there are internet ready computers, and wi-fi access is available to those with suitable devices.

8. Unusually for an airport there is a prayer room. This area gives passengers the time and space they need for their own private prayers and thoughts. There is also a dedicated garden area where passengers can spend time.

9. In keeping with a city famed for its culture, art collections are exhibited around the airport. These are for the benefit of passengers, and also for the artists themselves. Currently, the artwork is Beatles themed, and there is also an exhibition of fossils from southern Germany.

10. Liverpool Airport was proud to win the 2007 UK Airport of the year. This award was in recognition of the redevelopment and increase in passenger numbers, as well as other factors.

Now you know more about the airport and city, isn’t it time your next flight began, or ended at Liverpool John Lennon Airport?