Airport anniversary special!

Editor, Joe Bates, goes on a whistle stop tour of the world to report on the host of airports celebrating key anniversaries and milestone events this year.

Half century for Paris Charles de Gaulle

Europe’s third busiest airport for passenger traffic, Paris-Charles de Gaulle (Paris CDG) is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and while rejoicing in its history, operator Groupe ADP insists that it is firmly focused on the future.

Two landmark events are helping mark the milestone. The Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine is holding a major Paul Andreu exhibition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Terminal 1, and French postal company, La Poste, in conjunction with Groupe ADP, has issued a set of commemorative airport stamps designed by contemporary artist Déborah Desmada.

Groupe ADP claims that Paris CDG has reinvented itself many times over the years, adapting to new uses, processes and market trends to become the leading gateway to France handling close to 70 million passengers annually.

It says: “A major attraction for an entire region and a pioneer in air-train connections, the airport has evolved into representing French-style hospitality, both in terms of innovation and the art of living. At the age of 50, Paris-CDG has a bright future ahead of it. And this future needs to be carbon-free!”

On its website Groupe ADP notes that CDG’s evolutions have enabled it to welcome new aircraft such as Concorde and the A380; manage connections with road and rail networks to expand as air traffic has grown; and to develop new related activities (freight, hotels).

Big anniversary for Seattle-Tacoma (SEA)

The 75th anniversary celebrations for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) are now well underway, with operator, the Port of Seattle unveiling a special anniversary logo and announcing a year-long partnership with the Museum of Flight to recognise the airport’s place in regional aviation history.

The airport is also marking the occasion by holding a variety of in-terminal events throughout the year to surprise and delight passengers with music, entertainment, artwork, and other activities.

“SEA is excited to take a journey through 75 years of history and stories that have shaped the airport’s role in the community,” said Port of Seattle Commission president, Hamdi Mohamed.

“In 1942, the Port of Seattle answered a growing call to build a new airport that would serve civilians and support economic activity for the region. Now, 75 years later, SEA continues to meet the call to serve our customers and region in a meaningful way.

“This includes the opportunity for more than 23,000 quality airport jobs and $22.5 billion in total economic impact. This year will be an excellent opportunity to honour the ongoing commitment to promoting economic opportunities and quality of life.”

Doha gateway marks 10th anniversary

It seems hard to believe, but Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) is celebrating its 10th anniversary of connecting passengers to the world.

In facts and figures, in its first decade, Hamad has welcomed a total of 325.1 million passengers, accommodated 2.1 million aircraft movements, handled 20.5 million tonnes of cargo and processed 258 million bags.

Qatar Airways’ hub is currently serving over 45 airline partners – including 14 legacy airlines.

Completion of its Phase A expansion programme in 2022 means that the airport is equipped to handle 58 million passengers per annum.

Qatar Airways Group CEO, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, who has been part of the airport’s growth journey since 2014, said: “The growth and global position of Hamad International Airport since the start of its operations is a prime example of how investing in our people and facilities, adopting innovative solutions, and fostering industry collaboration, leads to excellence.

“We have overcome multiple challenges and set industry standards that have helped us earn the title of the World’s Best Airport.

“As the industry evolves, so will our operations and retail and hospitality experiences. We will continue to empower our people and nurture our relationships with our partners for the next 10 years, and beyond.”

Marking its 10th anniversary, Hamad International Airport’s team and passengers celebrated together with a series of activations which included cultural performances and live music sessions to commemorate the special occasion.

Sixty years of international flights for Shanghai Hongqiao

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) has launched a series of initiatives to enhance the passenger experience in celebration of the 60th anniversary of international flights from the Chinese gateway.

Records show that the airport handled its first international flight on April 29, 1964, when Pakistan International Airlines inaugurated the Dhaka-Guangzhou-Shanghai route, Shanghai’s first international service since the birth of the People’s Republic of China.

At an event to mark the occasion, Shanghai Airport Authority in partnership with China Eastern Airlines, Hongqiao Airport Customs and the Hongqiao Border Inspection Station unveiled plans to make it easier and more convenient to journey through the airport as part of their ‘Exquisite Hongqiao, Convenient Travel’ initiative.

Major milestone for Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

Conceived in the 1930s as the main airport for Toronto, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport located just offshore on islands in Lake Ontario is celebrating its 85th birthday.

“Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has a long and storied history operating on Toronto’s waterfront,” says RJ Steenstra, president and CEO of airport operator, PortsToronto.

“Welcoming its first flight in 1939, the airport soon became an integral component of the war effort serving as a base for allied pilot training. In the years since, the airport has established itself as a valuable asset for the City of Toronto, Ontario and Canada, providing a transportation gateway for residents and visitors alike, enabling trade and tourism, driving economic impact, facilitating healthcare and creating jobs.

“We look forward to many more years of providing award-winning service that keeps people moving, supports the economy and makes connections between Toronto and the world.”

Texas star DFW celebrates its 50th anniversary

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) had an extra special reason to celebrate the start of the year as it recorded its 50th birthday in January.

“North Texas would not be the national success story it is today without DFW Airport. The City of Dallas has grown tremendously over the years, in large part due to DFW,” enthused Mayor of Dallas, Eric Johnson.

“While DFW has benefitted our region through jobs and supporting local businesses, it has also served as our connection to the world.

“We get to show the world all of the great things that make Dallas and North Texas so special. In the next 50 years, you can count on DFW and the City of Dallas welcoming even more businesses, residents, and visitors.”

While his counterpart at Fort Worth, Mattie Parker, noted: “DFW Airport is key to what makes Fort Worth and North Texas excel among its peers.

“For the past 50 years, DFW has driven much of our economic growth and has ushered in a new generation of successful businesses that can easily reach across not only the country, but the entire world in hours.

“Many successful Fort Worth businesses chose to relocate to Fort Worth thanks to DFW, including our hometown airline, American Airlines. We look forward to welcoming every new business, resident, and visitor that DFW brings to Fort Worth with open arms and to what the next 50 years of connection brings.”

Austin-Bergstrom celebrates silver jubilee

Elsewhere in Texas, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) marked 25 years of connecting travellers from Austin and across Central Texas to destinations worldwide on May 23.

In true Austin style, live music formed part of its commemorations as it marked the milestone with remarks from City and airport leadership, and a historic proclamation, issued by Austin Mayor Kirk Watson that officially designated May 23rd as Austin-Bergstrom International Day.

Since its inauguration in 1999 – replacing the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport – AUS has grown into a major US gateway, recently being classified as a large sized airport by the Federal Aviation Administration.

“As we celebrate 25 years of AUS, I’m filled with pride as I reflect on the journey that has led us to this milestone,” said Ghizlane Badawi, CEO of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

“From our first year, when we processed over six million passengers, to becoming the airport of choice for Central Texas, this anniversary is not only a testament to the dedication and resilience of our teams, but also to the support of our community.

“Over the last quarter-century, AUS has not only connected our community to diverse destinations, but also remained true to the spirit of Austin. As we embark on a new chapter of expansion and development with our ongoing capital improvement projects, I am confident that AUS will remain a gateway to the world, enriching the travel experience for generations of travellers to come.”

AUS enjoyed its busiest year on record in 2023, welcoming over 22 million passengers.

Aberdeen celebrates 90th years of operations

Passengers and former colleagues are being asked to share their stories of Aberdeen International Airport as it kicks off its 90th year.

The largest transport hub in North East Scotland has been at the heart of the community since it began operations in July 1934 when Lord Arbuthnott officially opened it.

Several celebrations are planned for throughout the year but the airport is asking former colleagues to share their stories of their time working at the airport.

Also known as a Granite Anniversary, the airport wants passengers from the Granite City to get involved and share their memories.

To commence the celebrations, a special 90th logo was commissioned for use throughout the year.

The airport’s operations director, Mark Beveridge, said: “We know the city and airport have both changed so much in the last 90 years.

“As the current custodians of the airport, it feels right that we look to reflect and celebrate the impact the airport has had.”

Eric Gander Dower was dubbed the ‘Father of Aberdeen Airport’ in press cuttings in 1934 when he welcomed then British Prime Minister, Ramsay MacDonald, to the airport.

@ Kieran Cleeves/PA Media Assignments.

Heathrow marks 10th anniversary of Terminal 2

London Heathrow’s Terminal 2 is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the facility named after the late Queen Elizabeth II.

More than 148 million passengers have passed through Terminal 2’s doors, and over one million planes have landed and departed from it, since it opened on 4th June 2014.

More quirkily, the airport has revealed that T2’s passengers eat 8,920 cakes for breakfast every single day, and Caffè Nero alone has sold the equivalent of 44 swimming pools of coffee over the past decade.

So, perhaps it was quite fitting the airport marked the birthday celebration by handing out free cakes to passengers… for breakfast!

Heathrow’s chief customer officer, Ross Baker, enthused: “Reaching this landmark is an opportunity for us to enjoy looking back on a decade of achievements, while also looking ahead to the next ten years as we continue to create an extraordinary airport that is fit for the future.”

Elsewhere in the world

Other airports set to commemorate milestone anniversaries this year include Beijing Daxing, which will celebrate its fifth anniversary in September; Hawke’s Bay Airport in New Zealand, which has turned 60; Kerry Airport in the Republic of Ireland, which records its 55th birthday in August; and Mumbai’s Chhrapati Shivaji Mahraj International Airport which saw its Terminal 2 officially turn ten years old in February.