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Happy 80th Boeing Field!
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this video clip (Real Media) Length: (3:15)
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<<Sounds of ceremony.>>
Narrator Says:
One the eve of a major milestone for King County International Airport,
county leaders joined the public in front of the main terminal to
celebrate.
July 26th marks the 80th birthday of Boeing Field.
More than 50,000 people gathered in the summer of 1928 when the airport
opened to commemorate its birth.
On hand that day was a 5-year-old William Boeing Jr., seen in this
photo.
As the math would suggest, Boeing is now 85, and still remembers opening
day.
Bill Boeing Jr. Says:
I had my first flight in a boeing-40 shortly after the opening of this
field. It was 80 years ago and I don't remember much about the flight.
But the only thing i remember there is that that pilot only flew around
our house once. And if you're a small boy 5 1/2, that second trip would
have been better.
Narrator Says:
In its early years, much of the air traffic going in and out of the
airport hauled mail as well as a few passengers,
It played a huge role in building B-17 and B-24 bombers during World War
II.
Those at the airport, fearing a Japanese bombing during the war actually
camouflaged the top of plant 2 to disguise it from the air.
Today, at 80 years old, the airport isn’t just alive; it’s alive and
thriving.
KCIA Division Director Bob Burke Says:
As you can see we've grown quite a bit. We we've increased our size to
615 acres. And our activity encompasses 150 of every variety: Fixed-base
operations, retail sales, airlines, air cargo operators, the general
public.
Narrator Says:
The airport averages around 300,000 take-offs and landings each year,
and houses more than 100 businesses and 500 based aircraft.
It also contributes to the education of many current and future aviation
workers.
King County DOT Director Harold Taniguchi Says:
But KCIA is not just a place to take off in an airplane, it is also a
place to launch your dreams. For 80 years this airport has contributed
back to the community. It has helped 1,000's of people explore the world
through travel, and piloting their own plane. It has supported aviation
innovation and witnessed dozens of test aircraft become the next
generation of travel. And it has given wings to the youth of king
county, through many educational programs such as the Young Eagles Camp,
Opportunity Skyway, and Aviation High School.
Narrator Says:
The airport’s economic numbers are also impressive,
Boeing Field, despite drawing no county funds, contributes 1.6 billions
dollars to the regional economy annually and supports about 10,000 jobs.
It’s also a popular stop for celebrities and sports stars, not to
mention that every president since Harry Truman has visited at least
once.
King Count Executive Ron Sims Says:
This is not just a celebration of an 80th anniversary of an airport, it
is a celebration of the fact that this place with the vision and
endurance and capacity, and setting aside all doubters, saying we are
going to build planes and they are going to transform how we travel. And
oh has it transformed how we travel.
Bill Boeing Jr. Says:
Thank you very much and I want to wish another good 80 years for this
fine institution.
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