The new vision for Norwich Airport up to 2045 has been unveiled, detailing ambitions to increase passenger numbers to 1.4 million a year, forge new international links and supporting companies in the aviation industry.

Eastern Daily Press: A picture from the air, of the aerodrome at Horsham St. Faith. Picture: Archant LibraryA picture from the air, of the aerodrome at Horsham St. Faith. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant)

It is a far cry from the humble beginnings on Mousehold Heath in 1933, when the airport was established on the site of a former First World War aerodrome.

It was used by aircraft engineering firm Boulton & Paul for testing and recreational flights until the Second World War brought about a reduction in use.

The war also saw the creation of RAF Horsham St Faith on the site, which would become Norwich Airport decades later, with both British and the US airforce stationing squadrons there.

Eastern Daily Press: Passengers about to fly out from Norwich Airport. Picture: Archant LibraryPassengers about to fly out from Norwich Airport. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant)

READ: The Norwich Airport masterplan revealed

After the war, aircraft had developed to such an extent that Mousehold was no longer considered a suitable site for an airport and when the RAF left Horsham in 1967 many of the facilities were sold to the city and county councils.

Three years on, the airport was granted approval by the Customs Authority to export and import freight and the first holiday charter flight flew a year later in 1971.

Eastern Daily Press: ROYAL FAMILY PRINCESS MARGARET AT RAF HORSHAM ST FAITH ROYAL CARS DRIVING PAST JETS ( HAWKER HUNTERS ) DATED 27TH JULY 1956 PLATE P4415ROYAL FAMILY PRINCESS MARGARET AT RAF HORSHAM ST FAITH ROYAL CARS DRIVING PAST JETS ( HAWKER HUNTERS ) DATED 27TH JULY 1956 PLATE P4415

The airport became a limited company in 1987, with the opening of the main terminal in 1988, before being rebranded as Norwich International Airport in 1999.

In 2004 a controlling stake in it was bought by Omniport, leading to it becoming a hub for budget airline Flybe.

This led to a £4.5m expansion programme which finished in 2006 and in 2007 the airport introduced its Airport Development Fee, which is currently £10, for all departing passengers.

Rigby Group, owners of airports in Coventry and Exeter among others, bought Omniport's controlling stake in 2014 making it part of its Regional & City Airports.

Eastern Daily Press: ROYAL FAMILY PRINCESS MARGARET AT RAF HORSHAM ST FAITH TALKING TO AIRCREW BY COCKPIT OF TWIN ENGINED JET XA627 DATED 27TH JULY 1956 PLATE P4418ROYAL FAMILY PRINCESS MARGARET AT RAF HORSHAM ST FAITH TALKING TO AIRCREW BY COCKPIT OF TWIN ENGINED JET XA627 DATED 27TH JULY 1956 PLATE P4418

Last year saw the opening of a new £1.4m engine testing facility and earlier this year the International Aviation Academy, which teaches skills related to the aviation industry, opened its doors to students.

The airport, which currently employs around 260 people, is the second busiest heliport serving the North Sea oil and gas industry with 107,000 passengers travelling to offshore platforms from it in 2016.

Last year saw 473,484 passengers travel from the airport, which was rebranded to Norwich Airport in April.

Eastern Daily Press: 1968: In 1967, Norfolk County Council and Norwich City Council purchased the RAF airfield at Horsham St Faith and the intervening land, creating a sizeable area capable of development into a modern civil aviation facility. Some of this land was converted in to an industrial estate. All of the airport's operations were moved to this site. This photo shows a Channel Airways Dove landing passengers at the airport in 1968.1968: In 1967, Norfolk County Council and Norwich City Council purchased the RAF airfield at Horsham St Faith and the intervening land, creating a sizeable area capable of development into a modern civil aviation facility. Some of this land was converted in to an industrial estate. All of the airport's operations were moved to this site. This photo shows a Channel Airways Dove landing passengers at the airport in 1968. (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Generic views of Norwich Airport. Departures. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYGeneric views of Norwich Airport. Departures. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)