2017 marks our one-hundredth year in aviation. We are immensely grateful to all the people who have been with us over the last century, and in honor of our 100 years of service, we will be hosting a FREE public event celebrating the rich history, and the exciting future of Ellington Airport.
WHAT
Ellington 100-year Anniversary Celebration
WHERE
Ellington Airport
510 Ellington Field
Houston, TX 77034
WHEN
Saturday, May 20, 2017
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The celebration will feature food, live music, aircraft displays and family-friendly activities.
There are very few operations of any kind that can accurately claim to be “hitting their stride” at the age of 100, but that is most definitely the case in regards to Ellington Airport (EFD). For 100 years, Ellington Airport has served the interests of the United States, the State of Texas and the Houston region, and its brightest days appear to be lying ahead.
1917 – Opened by the Army Air Service on May 21, 1917, named after 1st Lt. Eric Ellington, a U.S. Army aviator and used primarily as an advanced flight training base
1923 – An order to abandon Ellington Airport is halted when the Texas National Guard is allowed to establish an aviation squadron at EFD
1945 – After the end of World War II, Ellington sees ongoing military presence from several military branches.
1984 – The City of Houston purchases Ellington to use as a third civil airport
2009 – Ellington Field is renamed to Ellington Airport
2015 – The Houston Airport System is granted a Launch Site License from the Federal Aviation Administration, making Ellington Airport the 10th commercial spaceport in the United States
2017 – Ellington Airport looks ahead to the next 100 years of aviation
PAST - See a photo gallery showcasing the rich history of Ellington Airport here
PRESENT - Discover Ellington Airport, a cultivator of economic growth, and home to both general and military and government aviation operations here
FUTURE - Learn about The Houston Spaceport, the first truly urban spaceport, and a hub for innovation, education and commercial spaceflight here