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Snohomish County Airport, known as Paine Field, has a rich history dating back to its construction in 1936 as part of the Works Progress Administration. Initially envisioned as one of ten "super airports" in the United States, it became operational within three years and was leased by the US Army shortly thereafter. During World War II, it was named Everett Army Airfield before being returned to civilian use post-war.
In the 1940s, Alaska Airlines established a maintenance facility at Paine Field. Glenn Humann, a historian with ties to the Washington Pilot's Association, noted that "Alaska Airlines flew no scheduled revenue flights from Paine Field." The Air Force reactivated the airport in 1951 for tactical air defense operations.
Boeing selected Paine Field in 1966 for building its iconic 747 aircraft. By 1968, Boeing had rolled out its first 747 and continued expanding its facilities over the decades to include assembly lines for other models like the 767 and 777. Scott Carson, then-CEO of Boeing during the production of the first 787 Dreamliner in 2006, remarked on Boeing’s efforts to reduce emissions while enhancing passenger experience.
