By TOM LATEK, Kentucky Today
LEXINGTON, Ky. (KT) – Blue Grass Airport is marking its 75th anniversary of commercial air service, as it was on October 13, 1946 that the first airliner, a 21-passenger Douglas DC-3 owned by Delta Air Lines, departed what was then Blue Grass Field, on its way to Cincinnati.
That first commercial flight was followed several hours later by one from Eastern Air Lines, paving the way for three-quarters of a century of airline service.
According to Blue Grass Airport records, construction on the facility began in 1941, to support World War II efforts. Prior to that, there were two smaller airports. The first, known as Halley Field, was located just west of the downtown area near what is now the Meadowthorpe subdivision. The second, Glengarry/Cool Meadow, was located on the property of Fasig-Tipton, North America’s oldest thoroughbred auction company.
Since then, through many enhancements and changes, Blue Grass Airport has served more than 1.4 million passengers annually as they travel to and from Central Kentucky.
From national champion University of Kentucky basketball teams to presidents and other dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth II, Blue Grass Airport has welcomed many notable passengers to Lexington. Not only have many famous humans flown through the airport, but also famous horses, including Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup winners.
Here are a few fun facts from Blue Grass Airport’s history:
–In 1946, when Blue Grass Airport first began commercial service, a flight from Lexington to Chicago only cost $15.70!
–An estimated 10,000 people showed up to watch Blue Grass Field’s terminal dedication and an accompanying air show.
–Blue Grass Field was mentioned in the hit 1964 movie, Goldfinger.
–In 1996, Gayle Ray and Bruce Lewis were married in what is thought to be the first wedding at the airport, just minutes before they boarded a flight to their honeymoon cruise in the Caribbean.
Heading into the future, Blue Grass Airport officials say they are preparing to begin a 20-year master plan that will guide the airport through a thoughtful forecasting of future activity and plans for continued development.