From Howard Hughes to a little-known female pilots program, the history of William P. Hobby Airport includes many riveting stories. The airport that helped secure Houston’s future as an international travel destination and spurred our global reputation as the “energy capital of the world,” is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. Opened in 1927 by the W.T. Carter Lumber Company, the airport brought the beginnings of commercial aviation to Houston. In 1937, the airport was purchased by the City of Houston. As facilities were improved and modernized, reliable air transportation services grew in number and importance. “We would like to share the history of Hobby and make sure all Houstonians, young and old, remember and relish the role this airport plays in the local region’s economic development” says Richard Vacar, director of the Houston Airport System (HAS). “Many Houstonians have a lifetime of memories of personal and community events that occurred at the airport.” Houston has long had a love affair with Hobby Airport, from its opening to

© Houston Airport System

the 1950s, when Pan American Airways gave Houston its first international flight with scheduled service between Houston and Mexico, to serving today as a hub for low-cost carriers.

One of Hobby’s most historical chapters was the recruitment of females to serve their country during World War II. Hundreds of women passed through the airport as members of the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP), the first female military pilot program in the country.

Long before preservation was embraced as a goal for Houston’s rich and storied past and as many unique air terminals fell victim to the bulldozer; HAS recognized the significance of its famed art deco terminal and leased it to the Houston Aeronautical Heritage Society. The building is now preserved and transformed into the 1940 Air Terminal Museum. It is one of the few remaining airport terminals in the country from the golden age of aviation.

A number of celebratory events are planned throughout the year, including; an art contest for all Houston area schools, (grades K-12), various community and civic events, and a celebration gala. The festivities began today with the unveiling of Hobby’s 80th anniversary logo and a birthday party in the terminal.

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The Houston Airport System served 48 million passengers in 2005. It is the 4th-largest multi-airport system in the U.S. and the 6th-largest in the world. Bush Intercontinental is the nation’s 9th-busiest airport. According to J.D. Powers & Associates, William P. Hobby Airport is first in customer satisfaction among smaller airports in the United States. HAS annually contributes over $24 billion in positive economic impact to the Greater Houston region. For more information watch Houston Airports Today every Saturday at 9:00 am on KTBU Channel 55 or visit www.fly2houston.com