Roberta Aguirre
Wilmington International Airport, also known as KILM, is located in New Hanover County, North Carolina. The airport was previously named Bluethenthal Field, in honour of a decorated World War I pilot and former All-American football player, Arthur Bluethenthal. During World War II, the US Army expanded the airfield with three new 7,000-foot runways. Today, Wilmington International Airport is an operating base for Avelo Airlines, with flights to various destinations across the United States. But was it ever a Class C airport?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Wilmington International Airport |
| Former Name | New Hanover County International Airport |
| IATA Code | ILM |
| Owner | New Hanover County |
| Operator | Wilmington Airport Authority |
| Director | Jeffrey Bourk, A.A.E. |
| Operating Airlines | Avelo Airlines, Piedmont Airlines, US Airways, American Eagle |
| Runway Length | 8,016 feet (2,443 m) |
| History | Used by the United States Army Air Forces Third Air Force during World War II |
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What You'll Learn
- Wilmington International Airport was named Bluethenthal Field in 1928
- The airport was used by the US Army Air Forces during World War II
- US Airways introduced daily flights to New York City in the 2000s
- The airport was designated as an operating base for Avelo Airlines in 2024
- KILM maintains E status after the D closes
Wilmington International Airport was named Bluethenthal Field in 1928
Wilmington International Airport has a long history that dates back to the 1920s. The airport was named Bluethenthal Field on Memorial Day, May 30, 1928, in honour of Arthur Bluethenthal, a former All-American football player and decorated World War I pilot who was the first North Carolinian to die in the war. The airport's name was changed to New Hanover County Airport in 1950, and it underwent significant improvements, including the construction of a large modern terminal building and a control tower.
The early history of the airport is closely tied to the life and legacy of Arthur Bluethenthal. Bluethenthal was a notable figure in Wilmington and a local hero. His story is one of both athletic and military achievement. As a football player, he achieved the prestigious status of All-American, which is the highest honour for a college athlete in the United States. Bluethenthal's prowess on the football field led to his enlistment in the military, where he became a skilled bomber pilot during World War I. Unfortunately, he perished in combat, becoming the first North Carolinian casualty of the war.
The airport's original name, Bluethenthal Field, served as a lasting memorial to his bravery and sacrifice. The field was more than just a simple airstrip; it attracted military planes and aviation enthusiasts alike. The airport's location between Floral Parkway and Audubon Boulevard became a hub for those fascinated by flight. This included renowned flight enthusiast Warren Pennington, who was the first pilot to fly there in 1927. Pennington's story adds a touch of romance to the airport's early days, as he flew his 15-year-old girlfriend, Anna Feenstra, and later gifted her a flying certificate.
The airport's name change to New Hanover County Airport in 1950 marked a significant shift in its economic significance. This change enabled larger passenger carriers to utilise the airport, transforming it into a bustling transportation hub. The airport continued to evolve, and by the late 1980s, it underwent further legislative changes, leading to the establishment of the New Hanover County Airport Authority, tasked with managing and improving the airport's operations.
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The airport was used by the US Army Air Forces during World War II
Wilmington International Airport was used by the US Army Air Forces during World War II. At the time, it was known as Bluethenthal Field, named in honour of a decorated World War I pilot and former All-American football player, Arthur Bluethenthal. He was the first North Carolinian to die in the war.
During World War II, the US Army Air Forces Third Air Force used the airfield for anti-submarine patrols and training with P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft. The Army expanded the airfield with three new 7,000-foot runways, which were necessary for the safe operation of the P-47 Thunderbolt. This aircraft was a powerful tool in the fight against German U-boats in the Atlantic. The P-47 was a heavy fighter, capable of carrying a substantial bomb load and had excellent range, making it ideal for the anti-submarine mission.
After the war, the airfield was deeded back to New Hanover County at no cost, and it became known as the New Hanover County Airport in the 1950s. The airport continued to develop and expand its commercial operations. By 1975, Piedmont Airlines was the airport's only scheduled carrier, offering flights to several destinations across the United States.
Wilmington International Airport has continued to serve as an important aviation hub. In the 2000s, US Airways introduced three daily flights between Wilmington and LaGuardia Airport in New York City, and in March 2011, they also commenced nonstop service to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. In July 2011, American Eagle began servicing a route between Wilmington and Chicago O'Hare International Airport, providing valuable connections to the West Coast and Asia.
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US Airways introduced daily flights to New York City in the 2000s
Wilmington International Airport, formerly known as New Hanover County Airport, is an airport in North Carolina. During World War II, the United States Army Air Forces Third Air Force used the airfield for anti-submarine patrols and training. The airport was renamed Bluethenthal Field in 1928 in honour of Arthur Bluethenthal, a former All-American football player and decorated World War I pilot.
In February 1948, Piedmont Airlines began commercial flights to Wilmington, with its first route between Wilmington and Cincinnati, Ohio. Piedmont Airlines was acquired by USAir in 1989, which was renamed US Airways in 1997. In the 2000s, US Airways introduced three daily flights between Wilmington and LaGuardia Airport in New York City. This was in addition to flights to its main regional hub at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The introduction of these daily flights to New York City was a result of lobbying from the Wilmington community.
US Airways also expanded its services to other destinations during this period. In March 2011, the airline introduced a nonstop service to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Furthermore, US Airways began servicing the Rio de Janeiro-Galeão airport in South America in December 2009, marking its first route to the continent.
US Airways was the last major US airline that had never flown to Eastern Asia before its merger with American Airlines in 2013 and 2015. The airline had codeshares with American Airlines and partnerships with most Asian air carriers in the OneWorld Alliance.
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The airport was designated as an operating base for Avelo Airlines in 2024
Wilmington International Airport was designated as an operating base for Avelo Airlines in December 2024. The airport, owned by New Hanover County, has a long history dating back to 1928 when it was named Bluethenthal Field in honour of a decorated World War I pilot. Over the years, the airport has undergone several name changes and expansions, serving as a hub for various airlines.
Avelo Airlines, an American ultra-low-cost carrier headquartered in Houston, Texas, has expanded rapidly since its establishment in 2021. The airline's first scheduled flight under the Avelo name took off from Hollywood Burbank Airport in California on April 28, 2021. Since then, Avelo has established multiple bases across the United States, including Tweed New Haven Airport in Connecticut, Orlando International Airport, and Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
The designation of Wilmington International Airport as an operating base for Avelo Airlines is part of the airline's strategic expansion. By the end of 2024, Avelo had expanded its service from New Haven to 26 destinations, making it the airline's largest base. The airline also announced plans to add five additional aircraft to its fleet, sourced from the Brazilian airline GOL.
In July 2024, Avelo Airlines announced its largest expansion with 18 nonstop routes, including its first international destinations: Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Cancun, Mexico. The expansion also included the establishment of dual operations at its Connecticut and Central Florida bases. Avelo's fleet consists of Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, offering travellers convenience, low fares, and a smooth travel experience.
The addition of Wilmington International Airport as an operating base for Avelo Airlines will enhance the airport's connectivity and provide travellers with more options for domestic and international travel. The airport's facilities and infrastructure will support Avelo's operations, contributing to the airline's growth and presence in the region.
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KILM maintains E status after the D closes
KILM, also known as Wilmington International Airport, is located in New Hanover County, North Carolina. The airport was named Bluethenthal Field in 1928, in honour of Arthur Bluethental, a decorated World War I pilot and former All-American football player. During World War II, the United States Army Air Forces Third Air Force used the airfield for anti-submarine patrols and training.
In the 1950s, the airport became known as the New Hanover County Airport. In 1988, "International" was added to its name, and in 1997, it officially became Wilmington International Airport. The airport has been used by various airlines over the years, including Piedmont Airlines, US Airways, American Eagle, and Avelo Airlines.
Regarding its status, KILM maintains its E status even after the D closes. This is in contrast to other airports, such as KMYR, which turns into Class G when the tower closes. The reason for KILM retaining its E status is speculated to be due to the surface TRSA, which allows approach and departure controllers to manage the airspace down to the surface.
Maintaining E status at KILM ensures that aircraft operating in the area remain subject to specific operating rules and equipment requirements. This helps improve aviation safety and reduce the risk of mid-air collisions in the terminal area.
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Frequently asked questions
KILM is the code for Wilmington International Airport.
Wilmington International Airport is located in New Hanover County, North Carolina.
Class C is a class of airspace in the United States that improves aviation safety by reducing the risk of mid-air collisions and enhancing air traffic management. All aircraft inside Class C airspace are subject to air traffic control.
Wilmington International Airport is a Class D airport. When the tower closes, the field and airspace become Class E.
Wilmington International Airport was designated as an operating base for Avelo Airlines in December 2024. It was also one of four airports on the East Coast that served as an emergency abort landing site for the Space Shuttle.
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