The airfield helped defend southern England during the Second World War before civilian control took over in 1944. Bournemouth Airport managing director Steve Gill said: "Bournemouth Airport has changed enormously during its 85-year history, but its importance to the region has remained constant. After the war, the airport became London’s transatlantic hub until Heathrow opened in 1946. Bournemouth Airport now serves more than 40 destinations and contributes over £200 million a year to the local economy. Jet2.com and Jet2holidays are in their second summer season at the airport, operating two based aircraft and offering 22 routes and more than 320,000 seats next summer—their biggest Bournemouth schedule yet.