
Portland International Jetport (IATA: PWM, ICAO: KPWM, FAA LID: PWM) is a public airport located in Portland, Maine, United States. The airport is owned and operated by the City of Portland and is the busiest airport in the state. In this paragraph, we will explore the history of the airport, its recent renovations and expansions, and its significance as a travel hub in the region.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Airport Name | Portland International Jetport |
Airport Code | PWM |
Location | 2 miles west of Portland, Maine, United States |
Size | 726 acres |
Owner | City of Portland |
Operator | City of Portland |
Year of Opening | 1931 |
Number of Passengers (2014) | 1.6 million |
Number of Passengers (2018) | 2 million |
Airlines | American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines |
Website | portlandjetport.org |
What You'll Learn
Portland International Jetport is 2 miles west of Portland, Maine
Portland International Jetport is conveniently located just 2 miles west of Portland, Maine, providing easy access to the city and the surrounding areas. As the largest and busiest airport in the state, it serves as the primary gateway to Maine for travellers from around the world. With a rich history dating back to the late 1920s, the Jetport has undergone significant growth and expansion over the years, solidifying its position as a premier New England airport.
The airport's IATA code, PWM, originates from its early days as Portland-Westbrook Municipal Airport. "Westbrook" referred to the location of the last directional light before the airport in the nearby city of Westbrook, about 10 miles west of Portland. Today, the airport covers 726 acres of land and features a modern terminal, multiple runways, and various amenities for passengers and aircraft enthusiasts alike.
Portland International Jetport is committed to providing a convenient, safe, and environmentally conscious travel experience. It offers nonstop service to various domestic destinations and one-stop access to thousands of international locations through all three major airline alliances. The airport has also benefited from service by low-cost carriers, contributing to its popularity among travellers.
The Jetport is easily accessible from major roadways, including Exit 46 of the Maine Turnpike (I-95) and Exit 3 of I-295. It provides multiple parking options, including ground lots and a parking garage, ensuring a seamless travel experience for those driving to the airport. Additionally, public transportation options, such as the Greater Portland METRO bus service, connect the airport to downtown Portland and other local transportation hubs.
With a focus on continuous improvement, the Jetport has ongoing capital programs aimed at incorporating the latest technology, enhancing safety, and accommodating the projected growth in passenger numbers and air cargo volumes. This includes plans for lengthening the primary runway, improving runway lighting, and expanding the terminal and baggage claim facilities. Portland International Jetport strives to maintain its small-town feel while offering the convenience and amenities expected of a premier airport.
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The airport code PWM comes from its former name, Portland-Westbrook Municipal Airport
Portland International Jetport in Maine is assigned the airport code PWM. The airport code PWM comes from its former name, Portland-Westbrook Municipal Airport. The airport was founded in the late 1920s by Dr. Clifford "Kip" Strange, who needed space for his JN-4 "Jenny" Biplane. Known as Stroudwater Airport, the airport received its first commercial service on 1 August 1931, when Boston-Maine Airways began a flight from Portland to Boston.
In 1936, the City of Portland purchased the airfield and built a third runway. The following year, in 1937, the city changed the airport's name to Portland-Westbrook Municipal Airport. This name was derived from the fact that the last directional light before the airport was located in the nearby city of Westbrook, which was 10 miles to the west.
The airport has undergone several expansions and improvements over the years. In 1940, the Works Progress Administration constructed Portland's first official terminal, a brick structure that now serves as the general aviation terminal. The airport continued to develop in the 1950s and 1960s, with the construction of the present main runway in 1957 and its subsequent extension in 1966. The current terminal building opened in 1968, coinciding with the introduction of jet aircraft.
Today, Portland International Jetport is one of the fastest-growing airports in New England, serving major domestic airlines and handling over 1.6 million passengers annually. It is committed to being a premier New England airport, providing a convenient, safe, and environmentally conscious gateway for travellers.
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It is the busiest airport in Maine
Portland International Jetport (IATA: PWM, ICAO: KPWM, FAA LID: PWM) is the busiest airport in the state of Maine. Located just two miles west of downtown Portland, the airport covers 726 acres of land.
In 2018, the airport handled more than two million passengers, breaking its previous record of 1.86 million in 2017. This can be attributed to the presence of low-cost carriers such as Southwest Airlines and JetBlue, as well as Portland's growing popularity as a tourist destination. The airport has also benefited from its accessibility, with convenient access from exits on the Maine Turnpike and I-295.
The history of the airport dates back to the late 1920s when Dr. Clifford "Kip" Strange, a local resident with a passion for aviation, created a private airfield on his extensive Portland land. Over time, the airfield expanded, attracting other flyers and eventually gaining recognition as the "Stroudwater Flying Field" in 1927. The City of Portland purchased the airfield in 1936 or 1937, renaming it the "Portland-Westbrook Municipal Airport".
The airport has continued to grow and improve its infrastructure over the years. In 2011, a $75 million renovation and expansion of the terminal were completed, allowing for more airline services and amenities for passengers. The airport is committed to being a premier New England airport, providing a convenient, safe, and environmentally-conscious gateway for travellers.
Today, Portland International Jetport serves as a hub for major domestic airlines, connecting Maine to thousands of destinations worldwide. With its continuous growth and development, the airport plays a crucial role in facilitating travel to and from the state of Maine.
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The airport is owned and operated by the City of Portland
Portland International Jetport (IATA: PWM, ICAO: KPWM, FAA LID: PWM) is owned and operated by the City of Portland. The airport is located two miles west of downtown Portland, Maine, United States. The City of Portland purchased the airfield in 1936 or 1937 from Dr. Clifford "Kip" Strange, who founded the airport in the late 1920s.
The airport's FAA code name, PWM, originates from its early days when it was known as Portland-Westbrook-Municipal, as the last beacon light before reaching the airport was in Westbrook, located 10 miles to the west.
The City of Portland has continued to invest in and develop Portland International Jetport. In 1940, the Works Progress Administration built the airport's first real terminal, which is now the general aviation terminal. The airport has since undergone multiple expansions and improvements, including the construction of a new terminal in 1968 to accommodate jet flights.
The City of Portland's management of the airport has contributed to its growth and success. In 2018, the jetport handled more than two million passengers for the first time, making it the busiest airport in the state of Maine. The city's commitment to the airport's development is evident through its capital program, which aims to incorporate the latest technology, enhance safety, and accommodate projected growth in passenger counts and air cargo volumes.
The airport's accessibility and convenience are enhanced by its proximity to major roadways, including the Maine Turnpike and I-295. The City of Portland's ownership and operation of the airport have played a significant role in establishing Portland International Jetport as a premier airport in New England.
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It is one of the fastest-growing airports in the US
The Portland International Jetport (IATA: PWM, ICAO: KPWM, FAA LID: PWM) is one of the fastest-growing airports in the US. In 2014, the Jetport served over 1.6 million passengers, and in 2018, it handled more than two million passengers for the first time, breaking the previous record of 1.86 million set in 2017.
The airport's growth can be attributed to several factors, including its convenient location, efficient operations, and attractive offerings for passengers and airlines alike. PWM is located just two miles (3 km) west of downtown Portland, Maine, providing easy access to the city and the surrounding areas. The airport is owned and operated by the City of Portland, and it covers 726 acres (293 hectares) of land.
PWM has benefited from service by low-cost carriers such as Southwest Airlines and JetBlue, which have helped to increase passenger traffic. Additionally, Portland's growing popularity as a tourist destination has contributed to the airport's success. A survey conducted in June 2011 found PWM to be the most affordable airport in the region and the third most affordable in New England.
To accommodate its growing passenger volume, PWM has undergone several expansion and improvement projects. In October 2011, the airport completed a $75 million renovation and expansion of its terminal, enhancing its facilities and increasing its capacity for airline service and passenger amenities. The airport has also continuously improved its infrastructure, including a recent $4.5 million federal grant in 2020 to construct a new taxiway connecting runways.
The history of the Portland International Jetport dates back to the late 1920s when Dr. Clifford "Kip" Strange created a private airfield on his land for his JN-4 "Jenny" Biplane. Over the years, the airport expanded and evolved, with the City of Portland purchasing the airfield in 1936 and again in 1937, adding runways and improving facilities. The airport continued to grow and develop, attracting more airlines and passengers, solidifying its position as one of the fastest-growing airports in the nation.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport code for Portland, Maine, is PWM.
The full name of the airport is Portland International Jetport.
The airport is two miles west of downtown Portland.
The airport covers 726 acres of land.