King County International Airport/Boeing Field celebrates its 75^th Anniversary on July 26th.

To mark the occasion, the Museum of Flight [external link] will host a "Happy Birthday, Boeing Field" celebration on July 26 and 27 during its weekend Family Fun Workshops. The Metropolitan King County Council will also recognize the history and achievements of KCIA on Monday, July 28 at 9:30 a.m. in the council chambers.

King County International Airport has a rich history and has had a huge impact on the region’s economy over the years. An estimated 50,000 people attended the airport opening ceremonies and dedication in 1928. The opening marked the beginning of a new era in transportation. Air passengers could now fly coast to coast from Boeing Field, in just 28 hours. The term "airmail" became the popular way to describe the newest, fastest way to send a letter. And a small, fledgling aircraft company founded by William E. Boeing was beginning to spread its wings.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, KCIA’s total operations today rank it among the top 30 busiest airports in the country, right behind Baltimore-Washington International Airport. KCIA is also consistently ranked among the country’s top 20 general aviation airports with approximately 300,000 takeoffs and landings annually. The National Air Transportation Association named KCIA "One of the 100 Most Needed Airports" in the United States. The airport is also a designated point of entry for U.S. Customs, Immigration, Public Health and Agriculture.

KCIA’s contribution to the area goes well beyond the traffic it generates in the skies. According to the latest King County International Airport Economic Impact Study, KCIA directly and indirectly employs some 10,000 people and generates $1.43 billion annually for the economy of Puget Sound.

"KCIA is a key player in the economic well being of King County," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "It represents jobs, it is a hub for aviation technology and it is a gateway to the region for air passengers, cargo and commerce. We are committed to keeping KCIA one of the country’s leading general aviation facilities."

KCIA is owned by the public and operated by King County, but does not receive any general tax dollars. The airport is supported by rents, fees and some FAA resources. KCIA is home base for more than 150 businesses, including commercial airlines, airfreight companies, aircraft service and repair, flight schools, charter operations and helicopter services. The airport is also home for hundreds of small aircraft owners who rent hanger space and tie downs for recreational and business purposes.

"KCIA is known as the birthplace of modern aviation and it continues to build an even more impressive reputation as a hallmark of aviation enterprise," said KCIA Director Bob Burke. "We all know the pace of change is accelerating, and we’re prepared to deal with new issues and opportunities with the same ingenuity and dedication that has served us so well since 1928. Talk to us again in 2028, and I’m confident we’ll still be one of the most effective and efficient airport operations in the U.S."