Why Henry Potez ?
Amiens – Henry Potez International Airport
Why Henry Potez
The choice of the name “Amiens Henry Potez International Airport” is no coincidence. It pays tribute to Henry Potez, a major figure in French aviation history, while also reflecting his historical, industrial, and economic impact on our region.
Here is a detailed and in-depth explanation:
Henry Potez
(1891-1981) was a French aeronautical engineer and industrialist from Albert, in the Somme region, near Amiens. A visionary and innovator, he left a lasting mark on global aviation history through his technical and industrial contributions to aircraft development in the first half of the 20th century.
A Genius in Aeronautics
Graduating from the prestigious École Supérieure d’Aéronautique et de Construction Mécanique (SupAéro), Henry Potez quickly made a name for himself in aeronautical engineering.
In 1917, he co-developed the “Éclair” propeller with Marcel Dassault (then Marcel Bloch), which was used in numerous military aircraft during World War I.
The Rise of the Potez Company
In 1919, he founded the Société des Aéroplanes Henry Potez, specializing in the design and production of civilian and military aircraft.
His factories, notably in Méaulte (near Albert), quickly became a cornerstone of the French aviation industry.
Potez aircraft, renowned for their robustness and performance, were widely used by air forces around the world and heavily exported.
An Iconic Model: The Potez 25
One of the most famous aircraft of the interwar period, the Potez 25 was a versatile aircraft used for both military missions and civilian transport.
This success illustrates the expertise and industrial excellence developed under Henry Potez’s leadership.
A Local and National Figure
Henry Potez is not only a national figure in aviation; he is also a local symbol, due to his roots in the Somme, the economic significance of his factories in the region, and his political engagement.
Indeed, he served as Mayor of Méaulte from 1928 to 1940 and later as Mayor of Albert from 1947 to 1959. At the same time, he held the position of General Councilor of the Somme twice, from 1930 to 1940 and from 1955 to 1961. His commitment also extended to the national level, notably as President of the Union of Aeronautical Industries.
Méaulte: A Center of Industrial Development
The Potez factories, located in this town near Amiens, were at the heart of the region’s industrial growth. They became a major source of employment and technical expertise for the local population.
Post-War Reconstruction
During World War II, the Potez factories were partially destroyed. However, Henry Potez played an active role in their reconstruction, significantly contributing to the local economic recovery.
By naming the airport in his honor, we pay tribute to a man whose technical, economic, and human legacy has deeply shaped the region and beyond.
Why Name an Airport After Him?
Henry Potez embodies innovation and French aviation. Naming Amiens’ airport after him serves multiple purposes:
Honoring a Pioneer: It reinforces Henry Potez’s pioneering role in aviation—an industry directly linked to the operations of an airport.
Preserving Local Heritage: The name anchors the airport within the region’s history, strengthening its connection with the local population and paying tribute to a key figure of the Somme.
Strengthening the Airport’s Identity: The name Henry Potez gives the airport a unique and memorable identity, both for its historical significance and aviation legacy.
Today, Amiens Henry Potez International Airport aims to be a key player in the local economy, just as Henry Potez was in his time. The name also serves as a way to perpetuate his memory and pass on his legacy to future generations, showcasing how this region played a central role in French aeronautics.
In summary, the name “Henry Potez” echoes a history of innovation, perseverance, and both local and national influence. It is a symbolic choice, linking past, present, and future, while positioning the airport as an essential player in the regional economy and identity.
A Brief History…
The aeronautical adventure of the region began on July 1, 1922, with the laying of the first stone of the factory. In less than two years, 25,000 m² of workshops and an airfield with three runways emerged. Henry Potez then created the most modern aircraft factory in the world.
Production began in 1925, following the recruitment and training of 400 workers. These strategic choices proved successful, and the factory set numerous records. By 1930, the site, with its 3,000 employees, had become the world’s leading aircraft production center—a meteoric rise!
Creation of the Potez Factory
Nationalized in 1936 by the Popular Front and then bombed multiple times during World War II, the factory emerged from the conflict drained and weakened. However, the French aviation industry quickly caught up with the Americans.
A shift in production took place, and from then on, the workers began manufacturing aircraft components for aeronautical programs.
From Potez to Airbus
During the 1970s, with the exploding demand for civil aviation, Airbus was created as a European response to American dominance.
- 1972-1976: The Méaulte plant contributes to the Concorde program.
- 1985: The factory becomes Aérospatiale.
- 1998: It merges into Aérospatiale-Matra, with the French government holding 48% of the shares.
- 1999: The site specializes in light alloy metal parts and automated assembly.
- 2001: It joins prestigious programs such as the A380 and A400M.
- 2021: The factory becomes Airbus Atlantic, a fully owned Airbus subsidiary.
Today, the Méaulte site spans 47 hectares, employing around 1,500 people, specializing in the manufacturing of aircraft nose sections for the Airbus fleet (A318 to A400M).
With growing economic and environmental challenges, the site is now focused on the future of aviation.
Aviation is not just a means of transport;
it is a revolution that brings people and ideas closer together.
