King County International Airport (Boeing Field), known as the "birthplace of modern aviation," marked its 75^th anniversary today with a grand re-opening of its historic terminal building.

"In 1928, when voters were asked to approve $500,000 dollars to build the airport, a resounding 86 percent of the voters said ‘yes, build it,’" said Ron Sims, King County Executive. "The airport has proven over the years to be a great public investment and an important economic catalyst."

Originally built in 1930, it’s the oldest passenger terminal in the Puget Sound area and serves regional commercial airlines and passengers, along with charter flights and private pilots. The new terminal includes upgrades for Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Immigration, as well as energy, seismic and fire safety improvements.

"We had to gut the old terminal building to bring it up to code and we used environmentally friendly and recycled products wherever possible in the remodeling process," said Bob Burke, King County International Airport Director." At the same time we worked to retain the building’s historic charm, by restoring the front entrance, the skylights and other features that link the past and present."

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, King County International Airport’s total operations rank it among the Top 30 busiest airports in the country, with approximately 300,000 takeoffs and landings annually. The National Air Transportation Association has named the airport "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.

The airport’s importance to the area extends well beyond its air traffic. According to the latest King County International Airport Economic Impact Study, the airport directly and indirectly employs some 10,000 people and generates $1.43 billion annually for the economy of Puget Sound. The airport is owned by the public and operated by King County, but does not receive any general tax dollars, it’s supported by rents, fees and some FAA resources.

The airport is home base to 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.

The airport attracted an estimated 50,000 people to its opening ceremonies and dedication in 1928. The airport opening ushered in a new era of transportation in the Northwest, bringing regular airmail delivery and allowing commercial passengers to fly from coast to coast in only 28 hours. In the past 75 years, it has been at the center of Northwest aviation history.