About Key Publishing
A specialist media company serving enthusiasts across the globe through our multi-channel brands. We focus on our love for aviation, transport, history and sport.
Company Mission
Key Publishing is a content hub with global reach. Through unrivalled passion and media technology, we connect enthusiasts around the world through expert, informed and engaging content.
We wish to grow profitably, whilst remaining at the core of the interests of the communities within which we live and enjoy ourselves.
We are a family run business which treats its employees, audience and customers as part of that family. We innovate and help to define our sectors as part of the society, bringing pleasure to our customers.
We do not preach, we participate.
Growth
Key was founded in December 1980 with the launch of FlyPast, Britain’s largest selling aviation magazine, the following year.
Still independently owned, today we employ over 75 staff, produce over 25 magazines and digital editions as well as a range of websites, in-depth industry databases, books and directories.
With Headquarters in the UK and a subsidiary office in Spain, our multi-media brands are now read in over 200 countries and in six different languages.
Our History
Click and drag to view our history
1980
Key Publishing founded in Stamford, Lincolnshire.
1981
Launch of FlyPast Magazine, the world’s premier magazine for aviation history and heritage
1988
Launch of AirForces Monthly, the leading modern military monthly title
1990
The company acquired AIR International and Air Enthusiast brands
1999
Airliner World was launched, bringing readers the latest developments from across the global airline scene
2000
Key bought Airports International, the most established B2B Airports title in the market
2005
Acquired the flight simulation brand PC Pilot and launched Airports of the World
2008
Strengthened B2B portfolio with the acquisition of Air Traffic Management
2009
Key Spain opened through acquisition of Avion Revue, the market leading Spanish language aviation title
2010
Acquired Aviation News and launched Airfix Model World in partnership with Airfix
2012
Acquired the magazine division of Ian Allan Publishing including Buses, Hornby Magazine and Modern Railways
2014
Bought the aviation and military portfolio from Kelsey Publishing, which included Aeroplane magazine
2018
Acquired RVE Expo and Conference
