On May 1, 2013, the Eugene Airport will celebrate 70 years of commercial air service. It was on May 1, 1943 that United Airlines began the first commercial passenger service at EUG.
By mid-June this year, the Eugene Airport will have six airlines – the most ever to serve EUG at one time – including Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines and United Airlines.
“It’s a great day for the Eugene Airport and the community as a whole,” said Eugene Airport Director Tim Doll, AAE. “To see how far commercial aviation has come from that first flight at EUG to today’s robust airline service is remarkable.”
This milestone is being celebrated in several ways on this May 1st including:
• Passenger appreciation day - refreshments and flyEUG logo items handed out in the terminal all day.
• A big band performance in the terminal from 11:30 am to 1:30pm.
• A special historical exhibition at the Gallery at the Airport
• A “free form” timeline displayed throughout the terminal building.
• Collecting items for a time capsule to be installed in the terminal.
In addition, there are several other aviation related activities of interest happening in May and June:
• May 16 – Frontier Airlines inaugural flight between Eugene and Denver.
• May 17, 18, 19 - The Experimental Aircraft Association’s restored B-17 bomber Aluminum Overcast will make a three-day stop at the Eugene Airport as part of its 2013 “Experience History” national tour.
• June 8 – Eugene Airport and Eugene Active 20/30 Club Air Fair & 5K on the Runway.
• June 12 – American Airlines inaugural flight between Eugene and Los Angeles.