City of Tallahassee Press Release:

The Tallahassee Regional Airport celebrated 80 years of serving the Florida Big Bend, Southwest Georgia and Southeast Alabama with a special anniversary celebration today.

As a vital component of the region’s economic development efforts, today’s celebration was shared with Tallahassee Mayor John Marks, local government officials and community and business leaders. Tallahassee Regional Airport also received a proclamation from the City to honor 80 years of achievement and unveiled its landmark anniversary timeline.

Joining Mayor Marks this morning to celebrate this milestone were Tallahassee Regional Airport Director of Aviation Kenneth M. Austin, Flightline Group, Inc. Chief Operating Officer C. Daniel Langston and Theo Proctor Jr., co-owner of the first locally owned airplane in Tallahassee, jointly owned by Ivan B. Munroe and Dr. J.K. Johnson.

“We are thrilled to share this occasion with the support of the Tallahassee community,” said Austin. “This anniversary is the culmination of the vision of the original founders of the airport, as well as the dedication of the men and women who work hard every day to offer our travelers the very best in safety, comfort and convenience.”

Tallahassee Regional Airport has shared numerous milestones with the community over the past 80 years, beginning with the opening of the first airport to serve the area, Dale Mabry Field in November 1929. Fast forward to 2009, and the Tallahassee Regional Airport now serves more than 1 million visitors a year, in its role as the premier hub for the area’s business and leisure travelers.

“I am honored to celebrate this occasion with the Tallahassee Regional Airport,” said Betty Ann Skelton, Ivan B. Munroe’s daughter. “My father had a genuine passion for aviation and took great pride in this airport. He would be honored to see the Tallahassee Regional Airport’s many accomplishments and contributions to our community.”

During the past 80 years, Tallahassee Regional Airport’s achievements have included purchasing the first locally-owned airplane in Tallahassee, housing the nation’s first black pilot squadron training facility during World War II and celebrating their busiest year in history in 2002, when the facility served 1,081,995 passengers. The Tallahassee Regional Airport has also won numerous national awards including the Airport Training and Safety Institute 2005 Hall of Fame, and earned first place in the Excellence in Marketing and Communications contest for its education and tour program from the Airports Council International-North America.

The Tallahassee Regional Airport is operated and maintained by the City of Tallahassee, and is currently served by four major commercial air carriers including American Eagle, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and US Airways Express. For more information on the Tallahassee Regional Airport, please visit the Airport's website at flytallahassee.com .