The Story Behind Nashville Airport's Bna Code

why is nashville airport called bna

Nashville International Airport (IATA: BNA) was originally named Berry Field when it opened in 1937, after Col. Harry S. Berry, a World War I veteran and Tennessee's supervisor for the Works Progress Administration. The airport's IATA code is derived from its original name, standing for Berry Field Nashville.

Characteristics Values
Original name Berry Field Nashville
What BNA stands for Berry Field Nashville
Named after Col. Harry S. Berry
Col. Harry S. Berry's profession Tennessee's supervisor for the Works Progress Administration
Year BNA was founded 1937

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Nashville Airport was originally called Berry Field Nashville (BNA)

Nashville International Airport was originally called Berry Field Nashville (BNA) and was established in 1937. Covering just over 300 acres of land, it was named after Col. Harry S. Berry, a World War I veteran who served as Tennessee's supervisor for the Works Progress Administration.

The airport was one of the earliest and biggest Works Progress Administration projects in the region and opened to considerable fanfare, including a parade and an air show. It was used as a base for the military until 1946 and, as passenger numbers grew, the airport soon needed revamping. During World War II, the airfield was requisitioned by the United States Army Air Forces Air Transport Command and the federal government expanded the airport to 1,500 acres.

By the early 1960s, the airport had been expanded and modernised, with a new 145,000-square-foot terminal opening in 1961. This terminal served over 500,000 passengers for the first time that year. In 1962, Nashville became the first municipal airport in the United States with a public reading room when the Nashville Public Library opened a branch inside the terminal.

In the 1970s, the airport once again needed expansion and modernisation. The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) was created and finalised a plan for the long-term growth of the airport, including a new terminal and a new parallel runway. Construction of the new terminal began in 1984 and was completed in 1987, with the airport taking on its current name, Nashville International Airport, in 1988.

Today, Nashville International Airport covers 4,555 acres of land and is the busiest airport in Tennessee, with more boardings and arrivals than all other airports in the state combined. It offers service to 99 destinations across the United States, as well as several international destinations.

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BNA is short for Berry Field Nashville

Nashville International Airport, also known as BNA, was originally named Berry Field Nashville. The airport was established in 1937 and was named after Col. Harry S. Berry, a World War I veteran who served as Tennessee's supervisor for the Works Progress Administration.

Col. Harry S. Berry played a significant role in the establishment of the airport. As the Tennessee administrator for the Works Progress Administration, he oversaw one of the earliest and biggest Works Progress Administration projects in the region. The construction of the airport began in 1936 and was dedicated on November 1, 1936, as Berry Field. The airport opened in June 1937 with celebrations, including parades and an air show.

The original name, Berry Field Nashville, is still reflected in the airport's IATA code, BNA, which is short for Berry Field Nashville. While the full name is not commonly used today, the military facilities at the airport are still known as Berry Field. The airport's current name, Nashville International Airport, was adopted in 1988.

Nashville International Airport has undergone significant expansion and modernization over the years. In the early 1960s, the airport was expanded to accommodate increasing passenger numbers. A new passenger terminal was completed in 1961, and during that year, the airport served more than 500,000 passengers for the first time. Today, the airport covers approximately 4,500 acres and is the busiest airport in Tennessee. It offers services to numerous domestic and international destinations and plays a crucial role in connecting Nashville to the rest of the world.

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The airport was named after Col. Harry S. Berry

Nashville International Airport, also known as BNA, was originally named Berry Field Nashville after Col. Harry S. Berry, a World War I veteran who served as Tennessee's supervisor for the Works Progress Administration. The airport was established in 1937 and dedicated on November 1, 1936, as Berry Field.

Col. Harry S. Berry played a significant role in the development of the airport. As the Tennessee administrator for the Works Progress Administration, he oversaw one of the earliest and biggest Works Progress Administration projects in the region. The construction of the airport began in 1936 and was one of the first major projects undertaken by the Works Progress Administration in the area.

The opening of Berry Field in June 1937 was a grand affair, with parades, an air show, and an aerial bombardment display by the 105th Aero Squadron, which was based at the field. The airport's original facilities were basic, but it soon became clear that expansions would be necessary to accommodate the growing number of passengers.

In the early years, Berry Field served approximately 189,000 passengers in its first year of operation. The airport was used as a base for the military until 1946, and during World War II, it was requisitioned by the United States Army Air Forces Air Transport Command. The federal government expanded the airport to 1,500 acres during this time.

While the name "Berry Field" is rarely used today, the airport's IATA code, BNA, is derived from its original name, Berry Field Nashville. The military facilities at the airport are still commonly referred to as Berry Field, and the airport's rich history and connection to Col. Harry S. Berry continue to be remembered and celebrated.

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Berry was a World War I veteran

Nashville International Airport (IATA: BNA, ICAO: KBNA, FAA LID: BNA) was originally named Berry Field Nashville (BNA) after Colonel Harry S. Berry, a World War I veteran who served as Tennessee's administrator for the Works Progress Administration.

Colonel Harry S. Berry was a prominent figure in the history of Nashville and played a significant role in the establishment of the airport. As the Tennessee administrator for the Works Progress Administration, Berry oversaw various projects aimed at improving the state's infrastructure and creating jobs during the Great Depression.

Berry Field Nashville was established in 1937 and was one of the earliest and biggest Works Progress Administration projects in the region. The airport opened with much fanfare, including parades and an air show. It served approximately 189,000 passengers in its first year of operation and quickly became a vital transportation hub for the region.

During World War II, the airfield was requisitioned by the United States Army Air Forces Air Transport Command and served as the headquarters for the 4th Ferrying Command, responsible for the movement of new aircraft overseas. After the war, the airport was returned to the city of Nashville and continued to expand and modernize to accommodate the growing demand for air travel.

Berry, as a World War I veteran, brought a unique perspective and understanding of the importance of aviation and infrastructure development. His contributions to the establishment of Berry Field Nashville left a lasting impact on the city and the state of Tennessee. The airport's original name, Berry Field, continues to be associated with the military facilities at the airport, known as Joint Base Berry Field, honouring the legacy of Colonel Harry S. Berry.

Today, Nashville International Airport is the busiest airport in Tennessee, offering service to numerous domestic and international destinations. The airport has undergone significant expansion and modernization over the years, reflecting the growth and changing demands of the region. While the name "Berry Field" is not commonly used today, the airport's IATA code, BNA, remains a reminder of its original namesake, honouring Colonel Harry S. Berry and his contributions to the development of aviation in Nashville.

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The airport's name changed in 1988

Nashville International Airport's name changed in 1988, but its history dates back much further. Established in 1937, the airport's original name was Berry Field, named after Col. Harry S. Berry, a World War I veteran who served as Tennessee's supervisor for the Works Progress Administration.

Berry Field Nashville (BNA) covered just over 300 acres (121 hectares) when it opened, but it soon needed expansion as passenger numbers grew. The airport was expanded in the early 1960s, and a new passenger terminal was completed in 1961. During this year, the airport served more than 500,000 passengers for the first time.

By the 1970s, the airport once again required expansion and modernisation. The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) was created in 1973, and they finalised a plan for the long-term growth of the airport, including a new terminal and a new parallel runway. Construction of the new terminal began in 1984 and was completed in 1987. The airport took its current name, Nashville International Airport, in 1988, though it is still referred to as Berry Field by some.

The airport's IATA code, BNA, is derived from its original name, Berry Field Nashville, and the military facilities at the airport are still known by this name. Nashville International Airport has grown significantly over the years and now encompasses around 4,500 acres (1,821 hectares). It is the busiest airport in Tennessee, offering service to 99 destinations across the United States and several international locations.

Frequently asked questions

Nashville Airport's code BNA is short for Berry Field Nashville, named after Col. Harry S. Berry, a World War I veteran who served as Tennessee's supervisor for the Works Progress Administration.

Nashville Airport, originally named Berry Field, was established in 1937 and dedicated on November 1, 1936, as part of one of the first major Works Progress Administration projects in the area.

The Nashville Airport code is BNA, which is derived from its original name, Berry Field.

The full form of IATA is the International Air Transport Association, which assigns airport codes to airports all over the globe.

Berry Field was named after Col. Harry S. Berry, a World War I veteran and Tennessee administrator for the Works Progress Administration. The airport was one of the earliest and biggest WPA projects in the region and opened to considerable fanfare.

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