It’s been quite a year for Houston’s second largest airport.

After 12 months of celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of the city’s oldest commercial airport, Hobby Airport management is now looking towards a bright future. From the newly-opened Central Concourse, things look quite promising for airport manager Mary Case.

Hobby airport a favorite of American travelers, has been featured in numerous historical and media publications, has undergone massive reconstruction, and has seen significant increases in both aircraft and passenger traffic. Case is all smiles when talking about Hobby.

“Becoming an airport manager was always my dream. The history and community here at Hobby is so rich, that it makes it all that much more special to me,” the licensed pilot says. “On top of that the rating as the number one airport in the country two years in a row by J.D. Power and Associates. We’re proud of the Hobby reputation.”

Previously known as the Houston Municipal Airport, Hobby Airport first opened its doors as a private airport in 1927. Ten years later it was purchased by the City of Houston and has been serving the local region for eight decades now.

The 80th birthday celebration began with the unveiling of a logo, “80 Years and Flying High,” designed especially for the occasion. Neighbors, travelers and guests gathered to listen to the storytelling of Captain A.J. High, a pilot who often flew out of Hobby. Celeste Graves, a dispatcher for the little-known World War II era Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP), gave the history behind the first female military pilot program in the nation which was launched a Ellington Field.

Community, art and education leaders helped celebrate the student art contest which brought in more than 300 entries from many of the schools surrounding Hobby. Of the 300 winning pieces, 37 have been on display for millions of people to see in the Central Concourse since May of this year.

A fundraising gala at Hobby helped benefit organizations such as the 1940 Air Terminal Museum, Expectation Graduation and the Ronald McDonald House Houston.

The year of celebrations concluded with Hobby Fest, a joint effort by the 1940 Air Terminal Museum, the Greater Hobby Area Chamber of Commerce, the Gulfway Rotary Club and the Houston Airport System.

Live music, good food, vintage aircraft and the community were all part of the festivities.