City of Long Beach
Public Information Office
411 W. Ocean Blvd,
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.longbeach.gov
Long Beach Airport (LGB) is thrilled to announce the commencement of a yearlong celebration marking its 100th anniversary.
“Long Beach Airport has been an integral part of our City's history and identity,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “Over the past 100 years, it’s played a vital role in connecting our community to the world, fostering economic growth and serving as a source of inspiration for pioneering aviation enthusiasts."
With the official centenary date falling on Nov. 26, 2023, the oldest municipal airport in California has 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.
Last month’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.
This week, LGB is releasing the first of a four-part short film series titled, “Flying Through History: 100 Years at Long Beach Airport.” Each of the four films created by Long Beach Television focuses on different aspects of the Airport’s history, with the first one highlighting the era when planes landed on the City’s shore during low tide. View the films at www.lgb.org/100th as a new one is released every Wednesday in November (excluding Thanksgiving week).
Other highlights of the campaign will include: the unveiling of a large public art piece; a historic report; a new marketing campaign; a special 100th anniversary webpage with historical information; a vintage poster series; and a public open house for the re-opening of the Historic Terminal.
"As we reflect on the remarkable journey of Long Beach Airport, we are reminded of its humble and innovative beginnings, with fabric-covered biplanes taking off and landing on our sandy beaches,” said Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. “Today, LGB is committed to honoring its past and paving the way for the future. We are recognized as one of the best airports in the country, and offering more nonstop service destinations than ever before, as the premier transportation gateway to Southern California.”
From that impromptu beach runway to its evolution into a thriving hub of aviation excellence, Long Beach Airport—taking flight during the Golden Age of Aviation and beyond—has thrived thanks in part to its climate, pioneering aviators and an economy fueled by tourism, the port, oil drilling, the motion picture industry, military presence, and automobile and aircraft manufacturing.
Originally known as Daugherty Field, Long Beach Airport traces its roots to 1919 when flight instructor and legendary stunt pilot Earl S. Daugherty established a flight training field and school. As interest in aviation grew, the Long Beach City Council purchased 150 acres for the construction of the Airport as it exists today. Construction officially broke ground on Nov. 26, 1923.
The planned centennial festivities are a testament to the profound connection between Long Beach Airport and the local community, as well as its enduring impact on the broader aviation industry. For more information about LGB’s centennial, visit lgb.org/100th.
About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.
For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. More information about Long Beach Airport is available at longbeach.gov/lgb and on Facebook, Instagram and X @LGBAirport.