Tulsa Airport: Size, Scale, And Significance

Tulsa International Airport is a civil-military airport located about five miles northeast of downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma. The airport covers an area of 5,000 acres and has two runways and one helipad. It has a single terminal with two concourses and offers convenient parking options for various types of travellers, including business, leisure, and corporate jetliners. The airport is also home to the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, which was established in 1998. In addition, Tulsa Airport is the site of aircraft manufacturing and maintenance facilities, with companies like Spirit AeroSystems and IC Bus Corporation operating on-site.

Tulsa International Airport's size

Tulsa International Airport (IATA: TUL, ICAO: KTUL, FAA LID: TUL) is a civil-military airport located about five miles (8 km) northeast of downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the United States. The airport covers a vast area of 5,000 acres and features two runways, one helipad, and a single terminal with two concourses. With a capacity to handle over four million passengers annually, Tulsa International Airport offers ample parking options, including covered parking areas and valet services. The airport also boasts a high level of security, with surveillance cameras and on-duty security guards.

The history of Tulsa International Airport dates back to 1929 when it was known as Tulsa Municipal Airport. In 1963, the airport received its current name. During World War II, Air Force Plant No. 3 was constructed on the southeast side, where Douglas Aircraft manufactured various aircraft types. After the war, the facility continued to be used for aircraft manufacturing, modification, and research by companies such as McDonnell Douglas and Rockwell International.

The Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust (TAIT) was established in 1967 as a public trust to manage airport facilities for Tulsa. TAIT is responsible for constructing, operating, and maintaining these facilities, relying on airport revenues to fund airport-related debts. While Tulsa International Airport caters to domestic destinations, it is considered an international airport due to its customs and border patrol facilities.

The airport serves as the global maintenance headquarters for American Airlines, which has invested significantly in the MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) base. This base occupies approximately 260 acres (1.1 km2) and includes a large hangar capable of accommodating six narrow-body planes or two larger aircraft. Tulsa International Airport is also home to Lufthansa Technik Component Services LLC (LTCS), which provides MRO services to airlines.

In addition to its aviation facilities, Tulsa International Airport houses the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, established in 1998, offering visitors insights into aerospace history and development. The airport's convenient location and infrastructure make it a preferred choice for direct flights, with over six airlines operating from this regional hub.

Tulsa Riverside Airport's area

Tulsa Riverside Airport, formerly known as Richard Lloyd Jones Jr. Airport, is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States. Covering an area of 664 acres, the airport features three asphalt runways: 1L/19R, 1R/19L, and 13/31, with the longest runway being 5,102 feet in length. The airport sits at an elevation of 638 feet above mean sea level.

The history of Tulsa Riverside Airport dates back to the establishment of the Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust (TAIT) in 1967. TAIT was formed as a public trust to manage airport facilities on behalf of the city of Tulsa. The airport was originally named Tulsa Municipal Airport when it was acquired by the city in 1929 and later renamed Tulsa International Airport in 1963.

In October 1978, TAIT leased Tulsa Riverside Airport and other city aviation facilities to the Tulsa Airport Authority (TAA), with the exception of police and fire heliports. TAA took on the daily operations and maintenance of the airport in July 1989 through a lease amendment. The airport was renamed Richard Lloyd Jones Jr. Airport in the same year to honour his service on the TAIT Board of Trustees.

The Tulsa Riverside Airport is more than just a transportation hub. It has a rich history, dating back to the early days of aviation in Tulsa. The airport has played a significant role in the development of the city's aviation industry and has transformed over the years to accommodate the changing needs of the aviation sector. Today, the airport caters to a variety of aircraft, including general aviation, air taxi, and military flights.

The airport's traffic, as recorded in a 12-month period ending in October 2018, comprised mostly of local and transient general aviation, with a small percentage of air taxi and military flights. The airport is also home to the South Lakes Golf Course, which operates on 120 acres of leased land. Tulsa Riverside Airport continues to be a vital aviation facility for the city of Tulsa and its surrounding communities.

Tulsa Airport's history

The history of Tulsa International Airport dates back to the early days of aviation in the 20th century. Here is a detailed account of the airport's history:

The Early Years:

The story of Tulsa Airport begins in 1919 with Duncan A. McIntyre, a native of New Zealand and an avid aviator. McIntyre was drawn to Tulsa, a bustling city that had gained international fame as the "Oil Capital of the World" due to its thriving oil industry. In August 1919, McIntyre established McIntyre Field, Tulsa's first modern airport, located at Apache and Memorial. The airport consisted of three modern hangars that could house 40 aircraft and was equipped with a beacon for landings after sundown, setting a new standard for safety and comfort in the region.

Tulsa Municipal Airport:

In 1928, the city of Tulsa acquired its own airport, named Tulsa Municipal Airport, located at 7777 East Apache Street. The airport was financed through a "stud horse note," with prominent Tulsa businessmen contributing $172,000 to purchase 390 acres of land. The airport officially opened on July 3, 1929, and Charles W. Short was appointed as the Airport Director, serving until 1955. During this time, the airport constructed its first terminal building, a modest one-story structure.

World War II and Aircraft Manufacturing:

During World War II, Tulsa Airport played a significant role in aircraft manufacturing. Air Force Plant No. 3 was built on the southeast side of the airport, where Douglas Aircraft manufactured several types of aircraft for the war effort. After the war, the facility continued to be used by Douglas (later McDonnell Douglas) and Rockwell International (later Boeing) for aircraft manufacturing, modification, repair, and research.

Tulsa International Airport:

In 1963, Tulsa Municipal Airport was renamed Tulsa International Airport. This change reflected the airport's growing importance, despite only serving domestic destinations. The airport continued to undergo significant developments, including the construction of a new $10 million terminal in 1971 and the addition of a cargo area in 1972.

Tulsa Air and Space Museum:

In 1998, the Tulsa Air and Space Museum was established on the northwest side of the airport to honour Tulsa's rich aviation history. The museum features an IMAX planetarium, providing a unique educational and entertainment experience for visitors.

Today, Tulsa International Airport remains a vital hub, serving domestic destinations and offering a range of amenities for passengers. With its history rooted in the early days of aviation, the airport continues to play a significant role in connecting Tulsa to the rest of the world.

Tulsa Airport's parking

Tulsa International Airport offers a range of parking options to suit different needs and budgets. The airport is located five miles (8 km) northeast of Downtown Tulsa, in Tulsa County, Oklahoma. With a variety of parking choices, passengers can select the most convenient and economical option for their travel plans.

One option for parking at Tulsa International Airport is the hourly and garage parking lots, which offer reserved accessible parking spots for passengers with disabilities. These spots are available for a maximum of $14.00 per day and provide easy access to the terminal. Additionally, the airport's short-term parking area also accommodates reserved accessible parking for the duration of a passenger's trip.

For those seeking a more affordable option, the economy lot is available at $9.00 per day. This lot is conveniently located close to the terminal, making it a great choice for travellers on a budget. The airport also provides a shuttle service with a wheelchair lift, ensuring accessibility for all passengers.

Another notable parking service at Tulsa International Airport is Fine Airport Parking TUL, which offers both indoor and outdoor self-parking options. With over 1,800 spaces across 16 acres, Fine Airport Parking provides ample parking availability. They also offer Fine Valet Parking, which includes complimentary electric vehicle charging. The valet parking service is complemented by the Fine Auto Detail Shop, where travellers can avail of vehicle detailing services during their trip.

The Tulsa International Airport also caters to electric vehicle owners with EV charging stations located on the lower level of the airport parking garage. These stations can power approximately 40 electrified vehicles, ensuring that eco-conscious travellers have the necessary infrastructure for their cars.

Tulsa Airport's airlines

Tulsa International Airport (IATA: TUL, ICAO: KTUL, FAA LID: TUL) is located about five miles (8 km) northeast of Downtown Tulsa, in Tulsa County, Oklahoma, United States. The airport serves only domestic destinations but has customs and border patrol facilities, thus qualifying it as an international airport.

The airport is the global maintenance headquarters for American Airlines, which announced a $500 million investment in the MRO base in 2020. The investment will include two new hangars, one of which will be big enough to hold six narrow-body planes, such as a Boeing 737, or two larger planes. Lufthansa Technik Component Services LLC (LTCS), a subsidiary of Lufthansa Technik AG, is also headquartered at Tulsa Airport, providing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services to airlines.

In addition to its role as an airline hub, Tulsa International Airport has a significant history in aircraft manufacturing and modification. During World War II, Air Force Plant No. 3 was built on the southeast side of the airport, where Douglas Aircraft manufactured several types of aircraft. After the war, this facility was used by Douglas (later McDonnell Douglas) and Rockwell International (later Boeing) for aircraft manufacturing, modification, repair, and research. Today, Spirit AeroSystems builds commercial airline parts for Boeing aircraft and IC Bus Corporation assembles school buses at a facility on the east side of the airport.

The Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust (TAIT) was established in 1967 as a public trust to build, operate, and maintain airport facilities for the city of Tulsa. TAIT is independent of the city, but all board members are appointed by the Mayor of Tulsa and confirmed by the City Council. The Tulsa Air and Space Museum, established in 1998 on the northwest side of the airport, provides a glimpse into the history of aviation and space exploration.

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