The first Norwich Airport was created as a former First World War aerodrome on Mousehold Heath, on what is now the Heartsease housing estate. It opened in 1933 and was used by Boulton & Paul for aircraft test flying and other recreational activities. This aerodrome fell into disuse in the early part of the Second World War. The current site, formerly known as Royal Air Force Station Horsham St Faith, or more commonly RAF Horsham St Faith, was first developed in 1939 and officially opened on 1 June 1940 as a Royal Air Force (RAF) bomber station. In September 1942, Horsham St. Faith was made available to the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) for use by the Eighth Air Force. The USAAF designated the airfield as Station 123 (HF). The airfield was subsequently transferred to RAF Fighter Command on 10 July 1945, when it was occupied by four Gloster Meteor Squadrons. RAF Horsham St Faith was a front-line RAF station for many years, and its squadrons participated in many post-war exercises. The station was deactivated on 1 August 1963. The RAF left Horsham on 24 March 1967. Over the following two years, the major part of the airfield and buildings were sold to Norwich City Council and Norfolk County Council, a small part being retained by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Norwich Airport Limited, under joint ownership of the county and city councils, developed the modern day Norwich International Airport, with the main terminal opening in 1988. In 1971, the airport began operations with charter flights, with airline Air Anglia creating a base at the airfield, offering flights all over north-western Europe. Their route to Amsterdam is still operated today with KLM Cityhopper. Most of the World War II buildings used by the USAAF and RAF remain, although converted for a variety of purposes. Some of the pre-war hangars are still being used for aircraft maintenance and one of them has been converted into an aviation academy. The original military control tower still exists, although only the ground floor is used as the upper floors are now condemned. A new control tower has been built adjacent to the present main runway. Other wartime buildings now form part of the Norwich Airport Industrial Estate. Adjacent to the airport terminal building opened by the Queen Mother, inside the terminal there is a memorial display relating to the USAAF, consisting of photographs, paintings, and a plaque commemorating the American use of the airfield. Outside the east end of the terminal there is a permanent memorial dedicated to both the RAF and USAAF. Since 1985, the City of Norwich Aviation Museum has been located on the north of the airport, with 19 aircraft on display. It was founded in 1977 by employees of the Eastern Counties Omnibus Company, on the 17/35 runway. The former RAF single persons accommodation blocks situated towards Old Catton were until 1993 used by the University of East Anglia as accommodation for students; these have since been demolished and the site redeveloped as housing. The airmen's married quarters continued to be used for nearby RAF stations (RAF Coltishall and RAF Neatishead), but due to the closure and / or reduction in size of these stations, the housing has been sold to private buyers. Whilst most runways and taxiways from the military airfield remain, only one runway is primarily used; to avoid takeoffs and landings over built-up areas: Runway 09/27, which was extended eastwards by the RAF in 1956 to 1,841 metres (6,040 feet) long. The 04/22 runway is no longer used for takeoffs or landings, but is used for parking and taxiing of aircraft. In 1999, the new corporate identity was launched as Norwich International Airport, which remained until April 2017. In March 2004, the city and county councils sold 80.1% of Norwich Airport Limited to Omniport, whilst retaining the remaining 19.9%.