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Meadows Field Airport, also known as Kern County Airport #1, is a public airport located in Kern County, California, three miles northwest of downtown Bakersfield. The airport was constructed in 1926 by the Kern County Chamber of Commerce for the U.S. Postal Service and commercial air services. In 1935, the airport was purchased by Kern County, becoming the first county-owned airport in the nation. During World War II, Meadows Field was used by the United States Army Air Forces and placed under the jurisdiction of the IV Fighter Command. In 1957, the airport was renamed Meadows Field after Cecil Meadows, the county's Director of Airports, and underwent modernisation with the construction of a new terminal and control tower. Today, Meadows Field Airport continues to serve as a critical gateway to the Central Valley of Southern California, offering convenient and less congested travel options for residents and visitors in the region.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of Construction | 1926 |
| Constructed By | Kern County Chamber of Commerce |
| Purpose | U.S. Postal Service and commercial air services |
| Ownership | Kern County (since 1935) |
| Renamed | August 6, 1957 |
| Renamed as | Meadows Field Airport (after Cecil Meadows) |
| Current Status | Public, commercial airport |
| Location | Kern County, California, United States |
| Distance from Bakersfield | 3 miles northwest |
| Airlines | American Airlines, United Airlines, American Eagle, United Express, aha! |
| Amenities | Restaurants, gift shops, car rental services, cab services |
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What You'll Learn
- The airport was constructed in 1926 for the U.S. Postal Service and commercial air services
- In 1935, Kern County purchased the airport, making it the first county-owned airport in the U.S
- During World War II, Meadows Field Airport was used by the U.S. Army Air Forces
- In 1957, the airport was renamed Meadows Field Airport after Cecil Meadows, the county's Director of Airports
- The airport offers convenient, reasonably-priced flights to destinations across the U.S
The airport was constructed in 1926 for the U.S. Postal Service and commercial air services
The history of Meadows Field Airport can be traced back to 1926 when the Kern County Chamber of Commerce constructed the airport to serve the U.S. Postal Service and commercial air services. Originally known as "Kern County Airport No. 1", the airport consisted of a single terminal building and runway. This marked the beginning of a long and illustrious history for the airport, which would go on to become a crucial transportation hub for the region.
In 1935, Kern County purchased the airport, making it the first county-owned airport in the nation. This acquisition was spearheaded by Cecil Meadows, the county's Director of Airports from 1935 to 1957. Under his leadership, Meadows Field Airport underwent significant developments and modernisation efforts. However, the outbreak of World War II in 1939 brought about a shift in the airport's purpose.
During the war, Meadows Field Airport was placed under the jurisdiction of the IV Fighter Command, with the Army Air Forces acquiring usage rights in 1943. It served as an auxiliary training airfield, hosting the 481st Night Fighter Operational Training Group (NFOTG) as part of the Army Air Forces Night Fighter School. The school operated a combination of modified Douglas A-20 Havocs for night fighter operations, including the P-70 and the YP-61 Black Widow night fighters. This period marked a temporary pause in the airport's commercial operations, as it contributed to the war effort.
Following the war, Meadows Field Airport returned to its role as a commercial airport. The mid-1950s saw Kern County embark on modernisation efforts, purchasing new land and constructing additional facilities. On August 6, 1957, the airport was officially renamed Meadows Field Airport in honour of Cecil Meadows. This period witnessed the construction of a new terminal and control tower east of the runway, solidifying the airport's position as a vital gateway for the region.
Today, Meadows Field Airport continues to serve as a convenient and accessible transportation hub for travellers in and around Kern County. Offering nonstop flights to destinations like San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix, and Reno, the airport provides a seamless travel experience with its range of amenities, including restaurants, gift shops, and convenient parking options. Its status as one of the two international airports in the San Joaquin Valley underscores its importance to the region's aviation industry.
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In 1935, Kern County purchased the airport, making it the first county-owned airport in the U.S
Meadows Field Airport, also known as Kern County Airport #1, is located in Kern County, California, three miles northwest of downtown Bakersfield. It is the main airport for the Bakersfield area and one of two international airports in the San Joaquin Valley.
The airport was originally constructed in 1926 by the Kern County Chamber of Commerce for the U.S. Postal Service and commercial air services. At the time, it was a small airport with only one terminal building and one runway. In 1935, Kern County purchased the airport, making it the first county-owned airport in the United States. This marked a significant milestone in the history of aviation in Kern County and set a precedent for other counties across the nation.
The acquisition of the airport by Kern County ensured that the local community had access to air travel services and bolstered the region's connectivity. Over the years, the airport has undergone various renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing demand for air travel and to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers. The airport has played a crucial role in the development of the region, providing convenient and accessible air travel options for both residents and visitors to Kern County.
During World War II, Meadows Field Airport was placed under the jurisdiction of the IV Fighter Command, and it served as an auxiliary training airfield for the Army Air Forces Night Fighter School. The airport's facilities and infrastructure were improved with the support of the Development of Landing Areas for National Defense (DLAND) program, which provided funding for airports across the country.
In the mid-1950s, Kern County embarked on a modernization program for the airport. New land was purchased, and construction of new terminals and control towers began. On August 6, 1957, the airport was officially renamed Meadows Field Airport after Cecil Meadows, the county's Director of Airports from 1935 to 1957. The new terminal and control tower, built east of the runway, marked a significant upgrade to the airport's infrastructure.
Today, Meadows Field Airport continues to serve the Bakersfield community and the surrounding areas, offering convenient and accessible air travel options. The airport is served by major airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and American Eagle, providing direct flights to destinations like San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix, and Dallas. With its modern facilities, efficient services, and ongoing expansion projects, Meadows Field Airport remains a vital gateway to the Central Valley of Southern California.
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During World War II, Meadows Field Airport was used by the U.S. Army Air Forces
Meadows Field Airport is a public airport in Kern County, California, United States, three miles northwest of downtown Bakersfield. It is the main airport for the Bakersfield area and one of two international airports in the San Joaquin Valley, the other being Fresno Yosemite International Airport.
The 481st Night Fighter Operational Training Group (NFOTG) used the facility as part of the Army Air Forces Night Fighter School, which had transferred from Florida to Hammer Field, California. Meadows Field was used as an auxiliary training airfield, and the school operated a combination of modified Douglas A-20 Havocs for night fighter operations, designated P-70, and brand-new prototype YP-61 Black Widow night fighters. After the war, Meadows Field returned to being a commercial airport.
The airport has a rich history, dating back to 1926 when the Kern County Chamber of Commerce constructed it for the U.S. Postal Service and commercial air services. It was originally known as "Kern County Airport No. 1" and had only one terminal building and one runway. In 1935, Kern County purchased the airport, making it the first county-owned airport in the nation. Cecil Meadows, the county's Director of Airports, was instrumental in the county's acquisition of the airport and subsequent modernization efforts.
Today, Meadows Field Airport continues to serve as a critical gateway to the Central Valley of southern California, offering convenient and less congested travel options for residents and visitors alike.
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In 1957, the airport was renamed Meadows Field Airport after Cecil Meadows, the county's Director of Airports
Meadows Field Airport, also known as Kern County Airport #1, is a public airport located in Kern County, California, three miles northwest of downtown Bakersfield. The airport was constructed in 1926 by the Kern County Chamber of Commerce for the U.S. Postal Service and commercial air services.
In 1935, Kern County purchased the airport, making it the first county-owned airport in the nation. Soon after, in September 1939, war broke out in Europe, prompting Congress to appropriate $40 million for the Development of Landing Areas for National Defense (DLAND). Under DLAND, expenditures for airports were approved by the secretaries of War, Commerce, and the Navy. By 1941, the Army Air Corps had begun directing aid to Meadows Field for improvements, including the operation of airport towers.
Today, Meadows Field Airport continues to serve as a critical gateway to the Central Valley of southern California. The airport offers direct flights to destinations across the United States, including San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix, and Dallas. With its convenient location, reasonable prices, and efficient services, Meadows Field Airport provides a great combination of convenience, price, and service for travellers.
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The airport offers convenient, reasonably-priced flights to destinations across the U.S
Meadows Field Airport is a small public airport located in Kern County, California, three miles northwest of downtown Bakersfield. It is the main airport for the Bakersfield area and one of two international airports in the San Joaquin Valley. The airport was constructed in 1926 by the Kern County Chamber of Commerce for the U.S. Postal Service and commercial air services. In 1935, it was purchased by Kern County, becoming the first county-owned airport in the nation. During World War II, Meadows Field was used by the United States Army Air Forces for training purposes. In the mid-1950s, the airport was modernised, with new land, terminals, and control towers being built. In 1957, the airport was renamed Meadows Field after Cecil Meadows, the county's Director of Airports.
Today, Meadows Field Airport offers convenient and reasonably priced flights to destinations across the U.S. The airport is served by major airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and American Eagle, providing direct flights to hubs such as Dallas /Fort Worth, Denver, San Francisco, and Phoenix. With just one connection, passengers can access a wide network of national and international destinations. The terminal, constructed in 2006, features a rotunda with a compass point floor design and a scaled model of Spaceship One. It offers a range of amenities to enhance the travel experience, including restaurants, gift shops, car rental services, and cab or ride-sharing services.
The airport is an ideal choice for travellers as it provides a convenient and less congested alternative to the region's major airports. Parking is readily available near the terminal, and the overall process is relatively quick and stress-free. Meadows Field Airport also introduces a new travel calculator on its website, allowing travellers to compare the cost of travel from the airport to flying from other cities. This tool enables users to make informed decisions about their trip planning and purchase tickets online directly.
Meadows Field Airport continues to expand its services, recently adding early morning flights to San Francisco and other U.S. cities. The airport is committed to long-term expansions, including TSA updates and improvements to parking, counter space, and pre-boarding areas to accommodate additional airlines and travellers. Meadows Field Airport strives to provide the best combination of convenience, price, and service for its customers.
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Frequently asked questions
Meadows Field Airport was constructed in 1926.
The airport was named after Cecil Meadows, the county's Director of Airports from 1935 to 1957.
Cecil Meadows was responsible for the county purchasing the airport and initiating modernisation efforts.
The airport is located in Kern County, California, three miles northwest of downtown Bakersfield.
Meadows Field Airport offers a range of amenities, including restaurants, gift shops, car rental services, and convenient transportation options like cab or ride-sharing services. It also has a unique design, with passenger services on the second level and airport services on the first.
