| Bradley International Airport History |
1940: |
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Connecticut acquired 1,700 acres in Windsor Locks |
1941: |
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State gives land to United States government; the airbase was constructed as part of the World War II defensive. August 21, Lt. Eugene M. Bradley, 24, from Antler, Oklahoma, dies in a training exercise and becomes the first fatality at the new airbase |
1942: |
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The War Department formally named the airbase "Bradley Field," as a tribute to the flier's memory |
1946: |
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Army gives airbase back to Connecticut |
1947: |
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Eastern Airlines initiates the first commercial flight from Bradley |
1948: |
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The federal government deeds the Airport to the State of Connecticut for public and commercial use |
1949: |
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Connecticut State Legislature provides $2 million for new passenger terminal facilities |
1950: |
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Bradley exceeds the 100,000-passenger mark, handling 108,348 annual passengers |
1960: |
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Bradley exceeds the 500,000 mark, handling 500,238 annual passengers |
1961: |
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Route 20 connector from Interstate 91 was built |
1982-84: |
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$100 million in revenue bonds is issued for improvements, which included construction of a new terminal (Terminal A), improvements to Terminal B and the International Arrivals Building, new access roadways, parking lots and utility systems |
1985: |
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U.S. Postal Service completes a regional sorting facility and Post Office |
1986: |
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New Terminal A and Bradley Sheraton Hotel completed. Roncari cargo terminal constructed |
1990-94: |
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Two main runways are reconstructed; new apron areas repaved and improved; taxiway additions/improvements are made; airport roadways are reconstructed; fire training school and new station house are constructed; short-term parking facilities relocated closer to terminals |
1992: |
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USAirports completes new cargo terminal on 28 acres |
1995: |
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United Technologies Corporate aircraft hangar completed. Signature Flight Support completed facilities for fixed-base maintenance operations |
1997: |
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UPS Distribution Facility Phase One completed |
1999: |
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Completion of new FAA control tower |
2000: |
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Construction begins on the Bradley Terminal Improvement Project, which will centralize services, and provide a new 12-gate concourse |
Spring 2001: |
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Construction begins on the new Federal Inspection Station (FIS) |
May 2001: |
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New parking garage opens, creating 3,414 spaces |
September 2002: |
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New East Concourse opens temporarily serving United Airlines, which occupies Gates 8 and 10 |
October 2002: |
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As part of the Terminal Improvement Project, Schoephoester Road is redirected to flow one way heading eastbound in front of the Airport and parking garage |
November 2002: |
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Co-Generation Energy Plant becomes fully operational. Terminal roadway improvements completed |
December 2002: |
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Federal Inspection Station opens. New maintenance building completed |
March 2003: |
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United Airlines moves back to their refurbished space in Terminal A |
2003 to present: |
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Completion of Bradley International Airport Phase I New Terminal and Concourse Improvement Program. America West, Continental, Continental Express, Delta, Delta Song, Northwest/KLM and Southwest moved into the new concourse in phases in Spring 2003. Renovation of Concourse C and old terminal is in progress. This renovation is expected to continue through 2007. |