What started as a rural landing strip 100 years ago, is now the award-winning John Wayne Airport. Travelers passing through the Airport helped celebrate this amazing milestone with several exciting activities at the Thomas F. Riley Terminal.
In collaboration with Airport tenants, a travel cup giveaway ran through October. JWA also teamed up with airlines to surprise passengers with a commemorative souvenir.
An exhibition celebrating 100 Years of Flight in Orange County features a detailed depiction of our Orange County heritage and spotlights significant events from the airfield’s inception to the present-day John Wayne Airport. Filled with an impressive catalog of historical photographs, alongside select artifacts from the Eddie Martin Estate, the exhibit offers a rare peek into local aviation history.
The exhibit will be on view through January 2024 and can be found pre-security on the Upper (departure) Level located in the walkway between Terminals B and C.
Finally, on October 19, a special celebration day was hosted throughout the Terminal, where travelers, guests, tenants, and Airport employees were serenaded by the Wartime Singers who performed 1940s style music, and they were gifted with centennial-themed items, the sweetest of them being special 100th decorated cookies.
John Wayne Airport’s centennial celebration is a testament to its enduring significance in the Orange County community and the broader aviation industry. The celebration reflects a remarkable journey filled with achievements, innovations, and vision. JWA remains dedicated to providing exceptional service, contributing to economic growth, and continuing the aviation legacy for future generations.
For a chronological history, please visit www.ocair.com/100Years
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