Santa Maria's Airport: Does It Exist?

Santa Maria Airport is the name of multiple airports around the world. The Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) is located in California, United States, and was built by the United States Army during World War II. Another Santa Maria Airport (SMA) is an international airport located on the island of Santa Maria in the Portuguese autonomous region of the Azores. This airport was also constructed during World War II to protect convoys by American troops.

Santa Maria Public Airport District (SMX) in California

The Santa Maria Public Airport District (SMX) in California is located in northern Santa Barbara County, about three miles (5 km) south of the city of Santa Maria. The airport is easily accessible from US 101 and State Route 135 (Broadway) by heading north on Skyway Drive and then turning east onto Betteravia Road.

The history of the airport dates back to World War II when it was known as the Santa Maria Army Air Field. Its primary purpose was to train B-25 bomber pilots, but flight training was discontinued by December 1942. After the war, in 1948, the land and facilities were acquired by Santa Barbara County and the city of Santa Maria through grants. In 1964, the airfield was renamed the Santa Maria Public Airport.

Over the years, the airport has been served by various airlines, including Pacific Seaboard Air Lines, Southwest Airways, Hughes Airwest, Cable Commuter Airlines, Golden West Airlines, Apollo Airways, Swift Aire Lines, Wings West Airlines, and West Air. The airport currently offers non-stop service to Las Vegas and direct flights to other destinations like Phoenix through airlines such as Allegiant Air.

Santa Maria Public Airport also serves as an aerial firefighting air tanker base for the U.S. Forest Service and state and local firefighting agencies in California. Aircraft operating from the airport for firefighting purposes include wide-body jets, turboprops, and turboprop versions of the Grumman S-2 Tracker operated by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).

The airport provides amenities such as free parking near the terminal, restaurants, and car rental services, making it a convenient option for travellers exploring California's Central Coast. The region surrounding the airport boasts attractions like championship golf courses, pristine beaches, performing arts, and award-winning wineries.

Santa Maria Airport's role in aerial firefighting

The Santa Maria Public Airport, located in northern Santa Barbara County, California, has played a significant role in aerial firefighting. With a history dating back to World War II, the airport has transformed from a military training ground to a vital base for fighting wildfires.

During World War II, the airport, then known as Santa Maria Army Air Field, was used to train B-25 bomber pilots. However, flight training was short-lived, and the field fell into disuse until the arrival of the Lockheed P-38 twin-engine fighter in 1943. After the war, the land was acquired by Santa Barbara County and the city of Santa Maria, and it was renamed the Santa Maria Public Airport in 1964.

The airport's role in aerial firefighting is crucial. It serves as an aerial firefighting air tanker base for the U.S. Forest Service and state and local firefighting agencies in California. The airport provides a strategic location for firefighting aircraft to operate, allowing them to reach wildfires across the West quickly. The addition of permanent fire retardant loading equipment, including Pit 4, has enhanced the airport's capabilities.

Various aircraft have been used in aerial firefighting operations based at Santa Maria Airport. These include the McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 wide-body jet, the McDonnell Douglas MD-87 jet, the Lockheed C-130 Hercules turboprop, and the Boeing 737-300. The airport has also accommodated smaller aircraft, such as the Grumman S-2 Tracker (S-2T version) turboprop, operated by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).

The Santa Maria-based airship is equipped with advanced technology, including a dual FM radio system, allowing pilots to direct resources, map the blaze, and spot potential hazards. The use of helicopters in aerial firefighting adds a layer of community value, as they can rescue people, deliver emergency supplies, and support firefighters on the ground. The expansion of the airport's capabilities reflects the growing importance of a permanent air tanker facility in the region, as climate change has led to year-round wildfire seasons.

History of the airport during World War II

Santa Maria Public Airport, also known as Capt. G. Allan Hancock Field, is located in northern Santa Barbara County, California, United States. The airport was originally built by the United States Army during World War II, under the name Santa Maria Army Air Field.

During World War II, the primary objective of the Santa Maria Army Airfield was to provide training for B-25 bomber pilots. This training was short-lived, however, as it was abandoned by December 1942. Following this, the field was left unused until the introduction of the Lockheed P-38 twin-engine fighter in September 1943. This aircraft's arrival signalled a new purpose for the airfield as a training ground for P-38 pilots and ground crews.

During its military use, the Santa Maria Army Airfield also maintained control of the nearby Estrella Army Airfield as an auxiliary training facility. This additional airfield, situated close to Paso Robles, was crucial in supporting the extensive pilot training programme. The original Allan Hancock Field, established in 1927, was one of eight civil training facilities for military aviation cadets before World War II.

After World War II, the Santa Maria Army Airfield underwent a transition. In 1948, the land and facilities were acquired by Santa Barbara County and the city of Santa Maria through two separate grants. A decade later, in 1958, a bond issue allowed Santa Maria Junior College to purchase a significant portion of the land for their expanding campus, now known as Allan Hancock College. It wasn't until 1964 that the former Army Air Field was officially renamed the Santa Maria Public Airport, reflecting its new civilian role.

The Planes of Fame Air Museum

Santa Maria does have an airport, known as Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX). The airport was built by the United States Army during World War II, when it was called the Santa Maria Army Air Field. It was primarily used for training B-25 bomber pilots, but flight training was abandoned by December 1942. The field was unused until the arrival of the Lockheed P-38 twin-engine fighter in 1943. The airport is located south of Santa Maria along Skyway Drive at Terminal Drive.

The museum's collection includes the world's largest collection of Japanese aircraft, with the only authentic, airworthy Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter with its original Sakae engine. Other rare aircraft in flyable condition include a North American P-51A Mustang, a Boeing P-26A Peashooter, a Lockheed P-38J Lightning, and a Republic P-47G Thunderbolt. Approximately 30 of the museum's 150 aircraft are flyable, with many others undergoing restoration.

In 2023, the Planes of Fame Air Museum announced plans to open a new location at the Santa Maria Public Airport. The museum broke ground on the new location in February 2025. This expansion will allow the museum to continue its mission of preserving aviation history and providing educational opportunities for the community.

Nearby hotels and attractions

Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) is located in California, south of Santa Maria along Skyway Drive at Terminal Drive. The airport was built by the United States Army during World War II, initially serving as a training facility for B-25 bomber pilots.

The Radisson Hotel Santa Maria is located right next to the airport, offering guests an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and a 24-hour business centre. The hotel is pet-friendly and provides free parking.

Another option is the Historic Santa Maria Inn, which features an outdoor pool, free WiFi, and a spa tub. This hotel also offers free parking and a 24-hour front desk with multilingual staff ready to assist with sightseeing, directions, and local dining recommendations.

The Santa Maria Museum of Flight, located at the airport, is a great attraction for aviation enthusiasts. The museum opened in 1988 and showcases the history of aviation in the area. Additionally, the Planes of Fame Air Museum announced plans to open a new location at the airport in 2023.

Santa Maria Public Airport also serves as an aerial firefighting air tanker base for the U.S. Forest Service and other firefighting agencies in California. Visitors can learn about the important role of aerial firefighting and see some of the aircraft used in these operations.

The city of Santa Maria offers a variety of dining and entertainment options, and the airport provides easy access to nearby attractions such as the California Central Coast and Las Vegas, with nonstop flights available.

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