THE first aircraft to touch down when Glasgow Airport opened in May 1966 has made a return as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations.

The Cherokee 6, piloted by Captain Kenneth Foster of Loganair, was the first plane to land on May 1.

Its all-important test flight ensured the new airport was able to pass the rigorous tests set by the then Ministry of Aviation, enabling it to officially open for business the next day.

Yesterday, just days ahead of the official anniversary, staff at Glasgow joined former Loganair chairman Scott Grier and airport historian and author Dugald Cameron to watch it land once again.

Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said she was delighted to have tracked down the aircraft, which is still in operation as a skydiving plane in North Lincolnshire.

Amanda said: “It really is quite remarkable that after 50 years, the Cherokee 6 is still in operation and I cannot think of a better way to mark our anniversary than by bringing it home to Glasgow.

“Since that first landing by Captain Foster, Glasgow Airport has gone on to play a pivotal role in connecting Scotland with the world and we have created history along the way.

“Whether it was the visit of British Airways’ Concorde, NASA’s Space Shuttle Enterprise in 1983 or the world’s largest commercial passenger aircraft, the A380, I think it’s fair to say Glasgow Airport has always been at the forefront of Scottish aviation.

“We started life with just seven airlines, three of which are still will us today including Aer Lingus, Icelandair and Loganair.

“From what really were humble beginnings, we have grown considerably. We now have 30 airlines serving more than nine million passengers and we are looking forward to creating more memories over the next 50 years.”

Loganair president Scott Grier said: "Loganair has been Glasgow's resident airline since the airport's first day of operation.

“We celebrated our own 50-year anniversary here in 2012 and I'm pleased Loganair has played its part today in helping Glasgow Airport mark its own golden anniversary."

Glasgow Airport was officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen on June 27, 1966.