Pensacola Regional AirportTravel to Pensacola Florida by Air |
| Home | Business | Community | Dining | Education | Jobs | Hotels | Lodging | Health | Real Estate | Recreation | Resorts | Rooms | Shopping | Travel |
Many cities are served by multiple airports. Larger airports have more flight options, especially direct flights, more facilities and more amenities such as shops and restaurants. But often times larger airports serve as hubs for the major carriers, and their presence there -and often dominance - means you often pay higher fares. Larger airports also tend to have higher parking rates, are more congested, and have more delays (due to aircraft traffic). On the other hand, if the closest airport you choose to fly to or from is a smaller regional airport, you might be rewarded with lower fares, fewer delays, and less traffic. That might even make it worthwhile - even if the nearest airport is a bit further of a drive.
|
Pensacola Regional Airport
|
The development of the Pensacola Regional Airport began during the Great Depression. Conner Hagler, owner of the San Carlos Hotel, and Harry Blanchard, a barnstorming pilot originally from Virginia, bought 504 acres of thick woodland on Skinner’s Mill Road in 1933. The first commercial flight in Pensacola landed on 7 April 1934, with a 14-passenger tri-motor Stinson of Atlantic and Gulf Coast Airlines. At that time, Pensacola’s airport began operation consisting of two grass-strip runway and an old hangar which had once belonged to the Navy. In 1935, the City of Pensacola sponsored a project through the Works Progress Administration to develop a permanent municipal airport. November 1938 commenced regular commercial service to the Pensacola Municipal Airport with National Airlines’ twin-engine Lockheed Electras. Although civilian air service continued, from 1942 to 1945, the U.S. Navy was granted command of the airport during World War II. Pensacola was the only municipal airport operating on the coast between New Orleans and Tallahassee for the few restricted commercial flights available. While under the lease of the Navy, the airport expanded to 1200 acres, two new runways were built and the existing runways were expanded to 5,000 feet by 200 feet. Following the end of the war, control of the airport reverted back to the city. The 1950’s saw the airport gain a stronger sense of permanence with the construction of a new terminal (12,000 square feet) and control tower. Parts of 'The Wings of Eagles,' with John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, Dan Dailey and director John Ford, were filmed at the airport in 1956. Technical improvements highlighted 1957, with runway approach lights and the instrument landing system (ILS). The increased viability of commercial transport in Pensacola led to significant occurrences in the 1960’s. The FAA reported in October 1963, that the Pensacola area had the densest air traffic in the United States, which included military, commercial carrier and general aviation activity. The terminal was renovated in 1964; and in April the airport was identified as the 9th busiest in Florida. Eastern Airlines Boeing 727 was the first commercial jet ever to land at the airport on August 25, 1965. A new parking lot was completed in May 1966; and in June the United States Navy donated a Blue Angels’ F-11 Grumman Tiger which now serves as the primary landmark at the airport entrance. On February 27, 1968, National Airlines inaugurated the first jet service to Pensacola. The service offered direct jet flights to and from Washington, D.C. and New York with their Boeing 727. The 1980's and 1990's witnessed a flurry of construction activity that transformed the Pensacola Municipal Airport into Pensacola Regional Airport. The entrance to the airport was moved from College Boulevard to Airport Boulevard. The terminal was completely remodeled and completed in 1990. Additional gates, a second floor, increased baggage capacity and a parking garage with a skywalk to the concourse created a new and enjoyable experience for passengers. Runways were extended, a new control tower was dedicated in 1995, and General Aviation operations were moved to the southeast area of the airport property. This preparation for future traffic is understandable; between 1989 and 1995 traffic at Pensacola Regional Airport increased 52%. A multi-level garage was opened in September, 1999. Facilities: Pensacola Regional Airport covers 1,211 acres and has two runways: Airlines: The following airlines fly these non-stop flights to Pensacola Regional Airport: |
|
|
Cannot find it here? Try a Pensacola Florida search with the power of Google:
|
|
|
