Long Beach Airport's 100th Anniversary

After more than a century of service, Long Beach Airport celebrates a rich past intertwined with the demands of modern travelers. With our official anniversary on November 26, 2023, LGB reflected and commemorated 100 years with a yearlong celebration of the remarkable achievements and people who have shaped LGB into the thriving hub it is today.

Long Beach Airport is the oldest municpal airport in California. It’s also among the Best Airports in the United States. Air carriers at Long Beach Airport—including Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Hawaiian Airlines—currently offer convenient service to destinations around the nation, including Hawaii. The Airport also boasts a robust general aviation community. 

Historic Report

“Long Beach Airport and Southern California: A Brief New Aviation and Aeronautics History (1900s-1980s)”

Researched and written by Alison Rose Jefferson and Philip S. Hart on behalf of the Historical Society of Long Beach, this project was commissioned by Long Beach Airport as part of its 100th anniversary celebration. The report illustrates the histories, significance and importance of Long Beach and Southern California aviation and aeronautics activities. An important component is the inclusion in this narrative of the histories of women and people of color (Black, Indigenous and People of Color – BIPOC) who participated and contributed to making the Southern California environs a global center of aviation and aerospace over the last century. 

 

Read the full report.

An executive summary brochure is also available. 

Related press release.

Centennial Events

With the official centenary date falling on November 26, 2023, the oldest municpal airport in California lined up a series of events designed to honor LGB's rich aviation history, underscore its role as an economic driver and convenient gateway to Southern California, and inspire future aviation professionals.  

October 2023’s Festival of Flight, which attracted more than 15,000 people to enjoy activities on the airfield, was the official launch of the yearlong centennial celebration, and a newly created 100th anniversary logo was unveiled.  

Other highlights of the campaign included: a ribbon cutting for a large public art piece; a historic report; the release of four historic short films; a vintage poster series; an open house for the re-opening of the Historic Terminal; a Centennial Time Capsule; the announcement of a trademarked slogan "america's coolest airport"; and much more.

October 21, 2023 - Festival of Flight 

November 26, 2023 – Long Beach Airport’s Official Anniversary. Giveaways and activities for travelers.

November 29, 2023 - 100th Anniversary Themed Artwork Unveiling  

January 25, 2024 - Historic report authors Jefferson and Hart will present their findings at the Billie Jean King Main Library.

July 27, 2024 – Historic Terminal Grand Reopening

Summer 2024 - Careers Taking Flight Youth Programming

October 19, 2024 - Festival of Flight

December 5, 2024 - Time Capsule Sealing Ceremony

We had a fantastic time celebrating our 100th anniversary with you!

LGB Anniversary Campaign Recognized
Long Beach Airport was honored to win an Excellence in Airport Marketing, Communications & Customer Experience Award from Airports Council International-North America at the 2024 Marketing and Communications Conference in San Francisco. The award specifically recognized LGB's efforts in creating and executing the yearlong centennial anniversary campaign.