In 1999, Heathrow Airport was seized by Volgan Paratroops, under orders to shoot any civilians who didn't get out of their way. Once taken, transport planes carrying armoured vehicles and soldiers landed. From there they travelled the thirty minute journey along the M-Four Expressway to London. Marshal Vashkov's private plane, a Concorde Mark III was kept at Heathrow Airport until stolen by Bill Savage. The Sobana used the airport to make first contact with humanity.