Robinson Kenning & Gallagher are pleased to share a Historic and Local Celebration that is upcoming very shortly, The 95th Anniversary of Amy Johnson flying solo from Croydon Airport to Australia, this event will be held at Airport House, Purley Way, Croydon CR0 0XZ on 3rd and 4th May 2025.

Here are some interesting facts about Amy Johnson, the pioneering British aviator:

First woman to fly solo from England to Australia: In 1930, Amy Johnson flew solo from Croydon Airport, England to Darwin, Australia in a de Havilland Gipsy Moth named Jason. The 11,000-mile flight took 19 days and captured the world's attention.
Broke multiple long-distance records: Johnson set records for flights to India, South Africa, and Japan, either solo or with her co-pilot (sometimes her husband, fellow aviator Jim Mollison).
Originally studied economics: Before taking up flying, Amy earned a degree in economics from the University of Sheffield and worked as a secretary. She later became the first woman in the UK to be granted a ground engineer’s license.
Married fellow aviator Jim Mollison: They were known as the “flying sweethearts” and completed several record-breaking flights together, including a non-stop flight from South Wales to the U.S. in 1933.
Served during World War II: Johnson joined the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA), ferrying aircraft around the UK to support the war effort. She flew many types of aircraft, showing her skill and adaptability.
Tragic death under mysterious circumstances: In 1941, her plane crashed into the Thames Estuary in poor weather. She bailed out but drowned before rescue off the cost of Herne Bay, Kent.

All at Robinson Kenning & Gallagher are pleased to share the connection of being based and working from Airport House with its such historic founding, we might not be flying planes across the globe but we help design and deliver some fantastic schemes with our Clients for which we are very proud.

RKG Partner Kevin Stocker also feels a special kind of connection with Amy as he was born in Croydon, our office is in the building she departed from, on her amazing solo adventure, he spent a large part of his life living in Herne Bay and who knows (as morbid as it sounds) maybe they will share a resting place one day!