Long Beach Airport reflects on over a century of aviation history

- Earl Daugherty opened the Daugherty School of Aviation in 1919.

- Groundbreaking for Daugherty Field occurred in 1923.

- By 1928, it became the first illuminated airport in the country.

The airport owes its name to Earl Daugherty, who was instrumental in its early development. His efforts led to a municipal flying field that sparked Amelia Earhart’s interest in aviation when she took her first flight there.

Long Beach Airport officially opened on December 20, 1924. During its early years, it was pivotal for military and commercial aviation. The Douglas Aircraft Company established a manufacturing plant at Long Beach Airport in 1941, making it a hub for aircraft operations during World War II.

The airport's historic terminal was initially delayed from opening due to Pearl Harbor attacks but began operations in 1942. Over the years, Long Beach Airport witnessed significant developments like the production of the DC-10 by McDonnell Douglas Corporation and later C-17 Globemaster III by Boeing.

In recent times, Long Beach Airport underwent improvements costing $110 million, with new facilities like a ticketing lobby introduced in 2022. Today, it covers over 1,166 acres and has three runways.

Three airlines currently operate out of Long Beach: Southwest Airlines dominates with most flights scheduled this December; Hawaiian Airlines offers routes from Honolulu and Maui; Delta Air Lines connects to Salt Lake City.

According to Cirium data analytics firm, "Southwest Airlines operates most flights out of Long Beach," while Hawaiian and Delta maintain smaller presences.

Last November marked the centennial celebration of Long Beach Airport with a special edition Festival of Flight commemorating its storied history.