Update (3/13/02) Yoko Ono and Cherie Blair, wife of British prime minister Tony Blair, will unveil a statue of Liverpool John Lennon Airport, reports IC Liverpool and Ananova. Yoko will also officially open a three-day exhibition at the airport of Lennon's drawings, the first time they've been shown in Liverpool. (Thanks to Jack. C.)

Update (11/6/01) The Liverpool Echo reports the airport could create a possible 2,000 new jobs over the next four years.

Update (9/3/01) The airport won't be buying a massive painting of John Lennon, despite a petition, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Update (7/4/01) Yoko told the Liverpool Echo, "I am so glad they have decided to name the airport after John. I am sure that he would have loved it. Liverpool obviously meant an awful lot to him. He was always talking about Liverpool, right until he passed away. I do not come to Liverpool as often as I would like but it is always in my heart and my mind. I felt it was important for me to appear here this week in person."

Also, Julian Lennon, in his July newsletter, said about the dedication:

"Today Liverpool Airport at a press conference will officially announce that the airport is to change it's name to Liverpool John Lennon Airport. I have sent them my good wishes and have said that it makes me happy that Liverpool has taken this opportunity to remember one of it's most famous children in a way that reaches millions of people."

Update (7/2/01) At a dedication ceremony renaming Liverpool's Airport as Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Yoko Ono said, "Thank you very, very much for remembering John and for loving John. I am delighted Liverpool has decided to honour John in this way. John always reminded of us of the sense of fun in life. I hope the airport will send a great message to all corners of the world. As John said there is no hell below us, above us only skies," reports Ananova. As she unveiled the new logo featuring Lennon's self-portrait, she said: "It is beautiful. John would have been very proud. Thank you." She was also given a scaled-down version of the statue of Lennon that will be seen in the airport which shows a striding Lennon in a suit and T-shirt. A spokesman said Paul McCartney's name had not been included in the renaming of the airport because it was a celebration of a full lifetime. "Around the world, airports named after individuals tend to be a celebration of their entire life," he said. The BBC reported, however, that Sir Paul had sent a message of support.
BBC: Ono unveils Liverpool airport

(6/30/01) The city of Liverpool will rename Speke Airport as Liverpool John Lennon Airport when a new terminal opens there next spring, reports the BBC. The airport will become the first British airport renamed for an individual. Yoko Ono, who will visit Liverpool Monday for an airport ceremony and to receive an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from Liverpool University, said, "I was honored and delighted when I first heard of the proposal to name the airport in Liverpool after John. As a gateway to the region this will be seen by millions of passengers and is a fitting tribute to the memory of my late husband." Sean Lennon said, "It is a great honour for my dad and for our family. My mom and I are very proud and would like to thank the people of Liverpool for all their warmth and support over the years." Julian Lennon said, "I am very happy to see that Liverpool has taken the opportunity to remember one of its most famous citizens in a way that reaches millions of people. It seems that the name John Lennon will be around for a very long time - one way or another." The airport was used by the Beatles themselves in the past. The new terminal will feature Lennon's self-portrait with "Above us only sky" from the song, "Imagine," plus a sculpture of Lennon in the building. The airport serves 2 million passengers each year. NME.com attempted to, but was unable to get a comment from Paul McCartney, who is currently recording a new album in Los Angeles, though a McCartney spokesman said he thought Paul would think the honor was "pretty fab." (Thanks to Emily, Dave Bryce, Ingrid McNamera, Linda Reig and Steve Frank for links.)