Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is a public airport located in Manchester, New Hampshire, United States. It is currently the fourth busiest airport in New England, serving as a gateway between New Hampshire and the rest of the world. The airport has come a long way since its inception, and its history is a testament to the region’s growth and development.
The Beginning of Manchester-Boston Regional Airport
The idea of having an airport in Manchester was first proposed in the late 1920s. However, it wasn’t until 1927 that the city council formally approved the idea. The airport was initially known as the Manchester Municipal Airport and was constructed on land that was once a golf course. The original airport featured a grass runway and a small hangar, which was used for airplane maintenance and storage.
The Construction of the Airport
In the early 1930s, the airport underwent a significant expansion, which included the construction of a concrete runway, a terminal building, and a control tower. This expansion was made possible by the Works Progress Administration, a New Deal agency that funded public works projects during the Great Depression. The airport continued to expand in the following decades, with the construction of additional runways, parking lots, and terminal buildings.
The Inaugural Flight
The first official flight from Manchester Municipal Airport took place on June 17, 1937. The flight was operated by American Airlines and flew from Manchester to Newark, New Jersey. This flight marked the beginning of the airport’s commercial aviation operations, and it paved the way for the airport’s future growth.
The Early Years
During the 1940s and 1950s, the airport continued to grow, with the construction of additional runways and the addition of new airlines. In 1948, the airport’s name was changed to Grenier Field in honor of Brigadier General Paul W. Grenier, a local hero who served in World War II. The airport continued to be known as Grenier Field until the 1980s, when it was renamed Manchester Airport.
Major Developments and Expansion
In the 1960s, Manchester Airport underwent a major expansion, which included the construction of a new terminal building and the addition of more runway capacity. This expansion was necessary to accommodate the growing demand for air travel in the region. In the following decades, the airport continued to expand, with the addition of new airlines and the construction of additional parking facilities.
Ownership Changes
In 1985, the airport was leased to the Manchester Airport Authority, a non-profit organization that manages the airport to this day. In 1994, the airport underwent another name change and was renamed Manchester-Boston Regional Airport to reflect its role as a regional gateway.
Current Status of Manchester-Boston Regional Airport
Today, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is a thriving airport, serving millions of passengers each year. The airport is home to several airlines, including Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. The airport offers non-stop service to several domestic and international destinations, including Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Myrtle Beach, Cancun, and Toronto.
The Future of the Airport
The future of Manchester-Boston Regional Airport looks bright. The airport is currently undergoing a major expansion, which includes the construction of a new parking garage and terminal building. The expansion is expected to be completed by 2021 and will significantly increase the airport’s capacity.
Conclusion
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport has come a long way since its inception. From a small grass runway to a bustling regional gateway, the airport has played a critical role in the region’s growth and development. With its continued expansion and growth, the airport is poised to play an even greater role in the future.
References
- Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. (n.d.). History of MHT. Retrieved from
- New Hampshire Department of Transportation. (n.d.). Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. Retrieved from https://www.nh.gov/dot/org/aerorailtransit/aeronautics/documents/manchester-boston-regional-airport.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
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When was Manchester-Boston Regional Airport founded?
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport was founded in 1927 as Manchester Municipal Airport. -
What airlines operate out of Manchester-Boston Regional Airport?
Several airlines operate out of Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, including Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. -
What is the current expansion project at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport?
The current expansion project at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport includes the construction of a new parking garage and terminal building, which is expected to be completed by 2021.
