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Palmdale Regional Airport (PMD) is a public airport located in Palmdale, California, USA. It is situated approximately three miles east of downtown Palmdale and has a rich history dating back to its establishment as a military aviation and aircraft testing site in the 1950s. The airport offers modern passenger terminals, cargo facilities, and various passenger services, including check-in counters, baggage services, and rental car facilities. Palmdale Regional Airport is served by several domestic airlines, providing flights across the United States. In addition to its functional role, the airport also houses the Blackbird Airpark Museum and the adjacent Joe Davies Heritage Airpark, showcasing aircraft designed and engineered on-site.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Palmdale Regional Airport (PMD) |
| Location | Palmdale, California, USA |
| Distance from downtown Palmdale | 3 miles |
| History | Established in the 1930s as a small airstrip; became Palmdale Army Airfield in 1940; purchased by Los Angeles County in 1946; used by the Air Force from 1950-1951; became Palmdale Air Force Base in the 1950s |
| Current Usage | Public airport with modern passenger terminals and cargo facilities; serves the Antelope Valley region of Southern California |
| Airlines | Several domestic airlines providing flights across the United States |
| Transportation | Accessible by car with long-term parking available; can also be reached via cab or by having a friend/family member drop off |
| Nearby Attractions | Blackbird Airpark Museum, Joe Davies Heritage Airpark, Palmdale City Hall, Palmdale Playhouse |
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What You'll Learn
Palmdale Regional Airport's history
Palmdale Regional Airport (PMD) is a public airport located in Palmdale, California, USA. The airport is situated approximately three miles east of downtown Palmdale, making it easily accessible to residents and visitors to the region. The origins of the airport date back to the early 1930s when a small airstrip was built in the desert. In 1933, construction began on a 160-acre government landing field northeast of Palmdale, intended to be an emergency landing field for commercial air traffic. It was listed in 1935 documentation as CAA Intermediate #5.
During World War II, the airfield, known as Palmdale Army Airfield, was activated by the United States Army Air Corps for use as an emergency landing strip and for B-25 Mitchell medium bomber support training. It served as one of many intermediate fields used by the Army Air Forces during the war. In 1946, the airfield was declared a surplus facility and purchased by Los Angeles County for use as a municipal airport.
However, with the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, the Air Force reactivated the property for final assembly and flight testing of military jet aircraft. In 1953, the Master Plan for Air Force Plant 42 was approved, and the Palmdale Airport officially became Air Force Plant 42, with ownership transferred to the Federal Government in 1954. Lockheed established a permanent presence at Plant 42, using it for the final assembly and flight testing of various aircraft, including the U-2, SR-71 Blackbird, and F-117 Nighthawk.
In the late 1960s and early 1980s, commuter air carriers such as Cable Commuter Airlines and Golden West Airlines operated flights from the airport, offering several nonstop flights a day to Los Angeles (LAX). In the 1990s, several commuter airlines continued to use the Palmdale Regional Airport passenger terminal. In 2001, efforts were made to bring air-passenger service back to the airport, and in 2004, civilian use resumed with Scenic Airlines providing service to North Las Vegas, Nevada.
The airport has faced challenges in convincing airlines of its marketability, and there has been mixed community support for expanding its services. However, the city of Palmdale and LAWA have worked to develop its commercial use, and in 2007, United Airlines was selected to provide service between Palmdale and San Francisco International Airport. The airport continues to serve the Antelope Valley region, with ongoing developments and agreements in place to preserve its facilities for aviation purposes.
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Blackbird Airpark Museum
The Blackbird Airpark Museum, located in Palmdale, California, is an aviation museum and outdoor exhibit. It is situated within the grounds of Palmdale Regional Airport, which has a history dating back to the 1930s when it was a small airstrip in the desert. The Airpark itself was officially dedicated on 27 September 1991 as an annex of the Air Force Flight Test (AFFT) Museum at Edwards AFB.
The Blackbird Airpark is a unique museum, housing the world's only display of a Lockheed SR-71 A together with its predecessor, the first-ever flown A-12, as well as the once top-secret D-21 drone and the sole remaining U-2 "D" model. These aircraft represent the proud heritage of the Blackbird family, which were developed for high-speed, high-altitude reconnaissance missions during the Cold War. The museum also exhibits engines used in these aircraft, including the Pratt & Whitney J57 and J58 engines.
One notable aircraft on display is the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest jet aircraft in the world. This long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance plane was developed in the 1960s and saw operational use over Southeast Asia. Another significant exhibit is the U-2D, or "Dragon Lady", a model that first flew in 1957 and underwent several upgrades during its service life. The U-2D on display is the last surviving example and is presented in its original form without the J75 engine upgrade.
The Blackbird Airpark Museum offers an educational experience, providing insights into the design, development, and operation of these historic aircraft. Visitors can get up close to the planes and learn about their unique characteristics. The museum is free to the public and is located next to the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark, offering a combined aviation experience for enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
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Aviation facilities
Palmdale Regional Airport (PMD) is a public airport located in Palmdale, California, USA. It is situated approximately three miles east of downtown Palmdale, in the Antelope Valley region of Southern California. The airport covers 5,832 acres of land at an elevation of 2,543 feet above mean sea level.
The airport has a long history, dating back to its early beginnings in the 1930s when it was just a small airstrip in the desert. It was established by the Bureau of Air Commerce and served as an emergency landing field for pilots in distress. During World War II, it was activated as a United States Army Air Corps airfield, providing an emergency landing strip and support for B-25 Mitchell medium bomber training. After the war, in 1946, it was declared a surplus facility and purchased by Los Angeles County for municipal use.
In the 1950s, with the outbreak of the Korean War, the Air Force reactivated the airfield, now known as Palmdale Air Force Base, for military aviation, aircraft assembly, and testing. The location was ideal, away from population centres but close to aircraft design and production hubs, with excellent flying weather year-round. Lockheed assembled 250 TriStar wide-body jetliners here between 1968 and 1984, with the first entering service in 1972.
Today, Palmdale Regional Airport features modern passenger terminals and cargo facilities, offering various services such as check-in counters, baggage services, and rental car options. Several domestic airlines operate from the airport, providing flights across the United States. The airport has three concrete runways, with one, 7/25, designed to withstand an 8.3-magnitude earthquake, making it one of the world's strongest runways.
The city of Palmdale manages the airport through the Palmdale Airport Authority and has been working to enhance its facilities. In 2019, plans were made for a new passenger terminal to cater to defence contractors. Additionally, the airport is home to the Blackbird Airpark Museum and the adjacent Joe Davies Heritage Airpark, where visitors can view displays of various aircraft, including the SR-71, U-2, and Century Series fighters. These museums, staffed by retirees from the aerospace industry, are free to the public and located along Avenue P.
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Location
Palmdale Regional Airport (PMD) is a public airport located in Palmdale, California, USA. It is situated approximately three miles east of downtown Palmdale, in the Antelope Valley region of Southern California. The airport is easily accessible to residents and visitors to the region.
The origins of Palmdale Regional Airport date back to the early 1930s when a small airstrip was built in the desert. In 1940, the airstrip became the Palmdale Army Airfield, serving as an emergency landing strip and providing support for B-25 Mitchell medium bomber training during World War II. After the war, in 1946, the airfield was declared surplus and purchased by Los Angeles County for use as a municipal airport.
The Korean War brought new life to the airport as the Air Force reactivated the property for final assembly and flight testing of military jet aircraft. The location was ideal, away from major population centres but close to aircraft design and production hubs, with excellent flying weather year-round. This led to the Air Force purchasing the land in 1951, and from 1968 to 1984, Lockheed assembled 250 new TriStar wide-body jetliners at the airport.
Today, Palmdale Regional Airport features modern passenger terminals and cargo facilities, offering various passenger services. Several domestic airlines operate from the airport, providing flights to destinations across the United States. The airport is also home to the Blackbird Airpark Museum and the adjacent Joe Davies Heritage Airpark, which showcases aircraft designed and engineered at its facilities, including the SR-71, U-2, and Century Series fighters.
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Future developments
Palmdale Regional Airport in California has had a long history, from its establishment as an Air Force Base in the 1950s to its current status as a public airport. The airport has been managed by the City of Palmdale via the Palmdale Airport Authority since 2013. While there are currently no scheduled passenger airline services, the airport has three runways and covers 5,832 acres, with an elevation of 2,543 feet above sea level.
In January 2024, a proposal for a $1.6 billion, two million-square-foot bus and passenger rail car hub was announced by Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. This project, tentatively named the "Center for Transportation Excellence," would be located on the eastern section of the airport's land holdings. The proposal includes the Blackbird Airpark Museum and the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark, showcasing aircraft designed and flight-tested at Plant 42.
The City of Palmdale is also in discussions with the United States Air Force and other Air Force Plant 42 partners to bring commercial air service back to the region. A feasibility study has demonstrated significant demand for this service, and the city has engaged consulting firms and attorneys to aid in these efforts. The return of commercial passenger air service to Palmdale has been described as promising, with Assistant City Manager J.J. Murphy stating, "We've never been closer."
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Frequently asked questions
Palmdale Regional Airport (PMD) is located in Palmdale, California, USA. It is approximately three miles east of downtown Palmdale.
The airport has a long history, dating back to its early days as a small airstrip in the 1930s. It was later established as Palmdale Air Force Base in the 1950s and used for military aviation and aircraft testing. The site was chosen due to its proximity to major centres of aircraft design and production, as well as its favourable flying weather.
Palmdale Regional Airport features modern passenger terminals and cargo facilities. It offers a range of passenger services, including check-in counters, baggage services, and rental car facilities. The airport also has long-term parking available for those who prefer to drive themselves.
