Maine's Airport: Does It Exist?

Maine, a state in the US, has several airports, including three international airports: Portland International Jetport, Bangor International Airport, and Presque Isle International Airport. Portland International Jetport is the largest airport in the state, serving over 1.6 million passengers in 2014. Bangor International Airport is one of the fastest-growing airports in the state, with more than 60 flights departing daily. Presque Isle International Airport is located in the northern part of the state and is much smaller than the other two international airports, serving only CommutAir. In addition to these international airports, there are several smaller local and regional airports in Maine, as well as private airports and seaplane bases.

Portland International Jetport

The Jetport covers 726 acres (293 ha) of land and has benefited from service by low-cost carriers such as Southwest Airlines and JetBlue. It has also gained from Portland's increased popularity as a tourist destination. A survey in June 2011 found PWM to be the most affordable airport in the region and the third most affordable in New England.

The airfield was founded in the late 1920s by Dr Clifford "Kip" Strange, who needed space for his JN-4 "Jenny" Biplane. It was known as Stroudwater Airport and received its first commercial service in 1931 when Boston-Maine Airways began flights between Portland and Boston. The city of Portland purchased the airfield in 1937 and changed its name to Portland-Westbrook Municipal Airport, which is the origin of its airport code, PWM.

The Jetport has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including a $75 million project in 2010-2011 that improved check-in and security areas, reconfigured airport roads, and expanded the parking garage. The new terminal features a geothermal heating and cooling system, which is expected to reduce the Jetport's consumption of heating oil by up to 102,000 gallons per year.

The airport provides a range of amenities for travellers, including a gift shop/newsstand, a Visitor Information Center, an ATM, a dog-walking area, a snack bar, and the Shipyard Brewport restaurant. It is easily accessible by road and public transportation, with the Greater Portland METRO providing bus service to and from the airport.

Bangor International Airport

The airport is owned and operated by the City of Bangor and is categorised as a non-hub primary commercial service facility. Bangor International is a joint civil-military airport, formerly known as Dow Air Force Base, and remains home to the 101st Air Refuelling Wing of the Maine Air National Guard. The airport covers 2,079 acres of land and has a single runway measuring 11,440 by 200 ft.

The airport's prosperity is partly due to its strategic location on major air corridors between Europe and the East Coast of the United States. Bangor is well-equipped to handle transatlantic flights, with a runway exceeding two miles in length and uncluttered airspace. It often serves as a refuelling stop for flights between Europe and the West Coast of the United States, or the Caribbean and Mexico.

Presque Isle International Airport

The airport features two asphalt runways, with the primary runway (1/19) spanning 7,441 feet in length and 150 feet in width, and the secondary runway (10/28) measuring 6,000 feet by 100 feet. These runways make the airport a versatile transportation hub capable of accommodating commercial, corporate, and private flights. Presque Isle International Airport is the third longest active runway in Maine and the fifth longest overall when including closed runways.

The history of the airport dates back to World War II when the federal government established an air base for planes travelling to and from Great Britain. The airport has witnessed several notable events, including the temporary stationing of actor Clark Gable before he was deployed to England. After the war, the former Air Force Base was redeveloped, and the Northern Maine Regional Airport, now Presque Isle International Airport, was established.

In recent years, Presque Isle International Airport has faced challenges due to the 1978 Airline Deregulation Act, which resulted in a reduction in service as airlines withdrew from less profitable markets. Despite this, the airport continues to serve its market of approximately 200,000 residents and has become a destination for carriers like JetBlue.

Augusta State Airport

Maine has several airports, including three international airports: Portland International Jetport, Bangor International Airport, and Presque Isle International Airport. There are also several smaller local and regional airports in the state, including Augusta State Airport.

The airport covers an area of 406 acres (164 hectares) and has an elevation of 352 feet (107 meters) above mean sea level. It features two asphalt-paved runways: Runway 17/35, which is 5,001 feet (1,524 meters) long and 150 feet (46 meters) wide, and Runway 8/26, which is 2,703 feet (824 meters) long and 75 feet (23 meters) wide. The airport can accommodate aircraft up to 70,000 lbs (31,751 kg), with a waiver required for aircraft above 60,000 lbs (27,215 kg).

The airport has a range of facilities, including a Hertz vehicle rental service, a gift shop/newsstand, and a restaurant offering Thai cuisine. There are also taxi services available for passengers travelling to and from the airport.

Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport

Maine has three international airports: Portland International Jetport, Bangor International Airport, and Presque Isle International Airport. However, there are several other smaller local and regional airports in the state, including Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport.

The airport is conveniently located halfway between the city of Ellsworth and the town of Bar Harbor, offering spectacular views with its shorefront and the backdrop of Cadillac Mountain. It is also close to Acadia National Park, making it a popular gateway for visitors to the park. During the summer months, the airport becomes one of Maine's busiest due to the influx of private jets bringing visitors to the county's summer colonies, including Mount Desert Island.

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