Lois Larson
Portland International Airport (PDX) has been pivotal in connecting people and driving economic growth in the region. The airport's history is a narrative of continuous expansion, agility, and transformation. Portland's first airport was on Swan Island, operating from 1927 to 1940. In 1936, the City of Portland purchased 700 acres of land along the Columbia River, and construction of the new airport began. The new Portland-Columbia Airport was completed in 1940, and it has since undergone numerous upgrades and expansions to become the thriving international gateway it is today.
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What You'll Learn
- Portland's first airport was Swan Island Airport, operating from 1927 to 1940
- The current site was purchased in 1936 and built with a Works Progress Administration grant
- The airport was completed in 1940 and was used by the US Army during World War II
- The airport has undergone numerous expansions and upgrades since the 1950s
- Today, it is one of the greenest airports in the world and serves over 20 million passengers annually
Portland's first airport was Swan Island Airport, operating from 1927 to 1940
Portland's first airport was Swan Island Municipal Airport, located on an island in the Willamette River, northwest of downtown Portland. The Port of Portland purchased 256 acres of land in 1926 and construction of the airport began the same year. The airport opened for limited use on September 14, 1927, with Charles Lindbergh dedicating the new airfield by flying in the Spirit of St. Louis. The official opening ceremony took place on September 27, 1927, during the Pacific Coast Air Derby, with six army planes performing for 10,000 spectators.
The choice of Swan Island as the location for the airport was not without controversy. The island was initially a marshy, undeveloped peninsula, and concerns were raised about the potential for flooding. A major project was undertaken to dredge the Willamette River, with the spoils used to fill and level the island, increasing its size to 900 acres. A dike was also constructed to control flooding and keep high water out. Despite these efforts, the airport continued to face challenges due to its low altitude, and by the mid-1930s, it was becoming obsolete.
During its operation, Swan Island Airport played a significant role in the development of aviation in Portland. In 1929, Varney Air Lines began passenger services from the airport to Boise, Idaho, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Pasco, Washington. However, the airport's small runways and low altitude made it difficult for newer, larger aircraft to operate safely. As a result, the Portland City Council began exploring options for a new, larger airport, and in 1940, the Portland–Columbia Super Airport (now known as Portland International Airport) was completed, rendering Swan Island Airport obsolete.
Swan Island Airport ceased operations as a commercial airport in 1940, and the new airport became the primary aviation hub for Portland. During World War II, Swan Island was converted into a war production site, housing a Kaiser shipyard and worker accommodations. The shipbuilding facilities were later acquired by the Port of Portland after the war, and the island became a centre for port operations, including dry dock and ship repair services. Today, Swan Island remains an important industrial hub for distribution, warehousing, and manufacturing activities, contributing to the economic growth and development of the region.
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The current site was purchased in 1936 and built with a Works Progress Administration grant
Portland, Oregon, has had two locations for its major commercial airport. The first was Swan Island Airport, which operated from 1927 until 1940. The current site of Portland International Airport was purchased in 1936 and built with a Works Progress Administration (WPA) grant.
The City of Portland bought 700 acres of land along the Columbia River in 1936. This land was marshy and required 4 million cubic yards of fill to be usable. The Portland City Council issued $300,000 and requested that the Port of Portland sponsor a $1.3 million grant from the Works Progress Administration to develop the site into a "super airport". The project provided much-needed jobs during the Great Depression, employing over 1,000 men.
The Works Progress Administration and the Port of Portland faced challenges preparing the site for construction due to frequent flooding from the Columbia River. To address this, workers covered the area with sand to aid drainage and constructed dikes to control flooding. The new Portland-Columbia Airport was completed in 1940 and had its opening ceremony on October 13. The airport included a terminal located off Marine Drive and runways forming an X toward the western side.
The Portland-Columbia Airport was designated "Portland–Columbia Airport" to distinguish it from the previously operating Swan Island Airport. During World War II, the airfield was utilised by the United States Army Air Forces. The airport underwent further expansion in the 1950s, including the construction of a new terminal and longer runways to accommodate jet aircraft.
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The airport was completed in 1940 and was used by the US Army during World War II
Portland International Airport has a long and fascinating history. The airport was completed in 1940 and was used by the US Army during World War II.
The site for the airport was purchased in 1936 by the City of Portland, who bought 700 acres of land along the Columbia River. This purchase was funded by a $300,000 bond issue and a $1.3 million grant from the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The airport's construction provided much-needed jobs during the Great Depression, employing over 1,000 men. The site, which was initially a marshy floodplain, required significant work to make it usable, including covering the area with over 4 million cubic yards of sand to aid drainage.
The airport was originally known as Portland-Columbia Airport to distinguish it from the then-operating Swan Island Airport, which had opened in 1927. The new airport featured a terminal located off Marine Drive and runways forming an X or an asterisk shape. During World War II, the airfield was used by the United States Army Air Forces and served as a base for Civil Air Patrol planes searching for enemy submarines. The airport was also used for lend-lease aircraft passing through to Canada.
After World War II, the airport came under the management of the Port of Portland and was officially renamed Portland International Airport in 1948 or, according to another source, in 1951 when it began operating international flights. The airport underwent further expansion and upgrades in the 1950s, including the construction of a new terminal and longer runways to accommodate jet aircraft. This transformation continued in the 1960s and 1970s, with additional expansions and improvements to the terminal and runway facilities, solidifying its position as a significant transportation hub.
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The airport has undergone numerous expansions and upgrades since the 1950s
Portland International Airport has undergone a series of expansions and upgrades since the 1950s, reflecting the city's growth and the evolution of aviation technology. The airport's history is marked by its transformation from a small airfield to a thriving international gateway, playing a pivotal role in connecting people and driving economic growth in the region.
In the 1950s, with the advent of jet aircraft, PDX underwent significant expansion to accommodate larger and faster planes. This expansion included the construction of a modern terminal building and longer runways, solidifying PDX's position as a prominent air travel hub in the Pacific Northwest. The main terminal construction project, completed in 1959, cost approximately $4.25 million and took two years to finish. This terminal continues to serve as the core of the airport's passenger service facilities.
The airport's infrastructure received further enhancements in the following decades. In 1977, the terminal building underwent renovations and expansions, ensuring its capacity could match the increasing demand for air travel. The south runway was extended to 11,000 feet in 1974 to accommodate the newest jumbo jets, exemplifying the airport's commitment to staying abreast of technological advancements in aviation.
The 1980s and 1990s witnessed continued progress at PDX. Terminal expansions and upgrades were executed in 1986, 1992, and 1994, ensuring the facility could cater to the growing number of passengers. In 1999, a new FAA tower, parking garage, and canopy over the drop-off lanes were completed, enhancing the airport's functionality and convenience for travellers.
In recent years, PDX has been a trailblazer in sustainable aviation practices. It has earned recognition as one of the greenest airports globally due to its LEED-certified terminal, utilisation of renewable energy, and initiatives to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The airport's commitment to environmental stewardship is exemplified by its multi-billion-dollar PDX Next project, which aims to expand the terminal, modernise concourses, and improve ground transportation options while maintaining sustainability.
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Today, it is one of the greenest airports in the world and serves over 20 million passengers annually
Portland International Airport, or PDX, has come a long way since its early beginnings as a small, grassy airfield known as Swan Island Airport in the 1920s. The airport has undergone numerous transformations, expansions, and upgrades over the years, reflecting the evolution of aviation and the growing demand for air travel. Today, it stands as one of the greenest airports globally and a pivotal transportation hub, serving over 20 million passengers annually.
The airport's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship is evident in its initiatives and achievements. It boasts a LEED-certified terminal, utilizes renewable energy sources, and actively works towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This dedication to eco-friendly practices has garnered PDX recognition as a pioneer in sustainable aviation, enhancing its reputation beyond just a travel gateway.
The airport's history of continuous expansion and transformation has played a pivotal role in linking people and fostering economic growth in the region. The current terminal, which opened in 1968 with expansions in 1977, 1986, 1992, and 1994, remains the core of its passenger service facilities. The spacious main passenger lobby, spanning impressive distances, showcases the scale of the airport's development.
PDX has ambitious plans for the future, including the multi-billion-dollar PDX Next project. This initiative aims to further enhance the airport's infrastructure by expanding the terminal, modernizing concourses, and improving ground transportation options to cater to the increasing demand for air travel. The airport's strategic developments solidify its standing as a significant transportation hub, catering to the growing population of Portland and its surrounding areas.
The airport's rich history, combined with its forward-thinking approach to sustainability and passenger experience, has earned it high marks from travellers. The combination of convenient amenities, efficient facilities, and environmental consciousness makes Portland International Airport a standout aviation gateway, contributing to its thriving international reputation.
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Frequently asked questions
The Portland Airport was built in the early 1920s as a small, grassy airfield known as Swan Island Airport.
The Portland Airport is located in Portland, Oregon, USA.
The first major upgrade to the Portland Airport was in 1926 when the Port of Portland purchased 256 acres of land and began construction.
The airport got its name, Portland International Airport, in 1951 when it started accommodating international flights.
The Portland International Jetport began to take its current form after World War II, in the 1950s and 60s.
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