In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the Yuma County Airport Authority (YCAA) has compiled a collection of aviation related memories over the decades to share with the community as a monthly publication.
- Dec. 9, 1942 – The airfield was used for training purposes for the Yuma Army Flying School. Col. W. A. R. Robertson, Commander who came from Luke Air Field near Phoenix, would oversee training activities throughout the program. Col. Robertson provided 9 week classes for the Yuma Army Flying School providing both ground and flying certification.
- On Dec. 4, 1968, Arrow Construction Co. was awarded the contract to build the Yuma International Airport Passenger Terminal; before the current terminal that was built in 1999. The previous terminal was severely damaged by fire back in August of 1968 and was finally getting rebuilt. Ted Moeller, the chairman of the Airport Authority at the time, stated that the new terminal was set to be completed by March of 1969. Each of the tenants were presented with a larger space, divided offices, as well as open counters.
Along with this new building, the plans called for a new coffee shop to be located in the middle of the terminal for passengers while they wait. That coffee shop provided the initial hot food and beverage service which is still available today, an important part of being the face of our community. Eventually, a gift shop was added as well.
Looking back, there have been so many different changes throughout the airport. Not only did we construct a brand-new state of the art passenger terminal building in 1999, we continue to improve with the addition of more comfortable seating areas for passengers and charging stations with a gorgeous view of the airport. This year is no different with many renovations underway throughout the terminal in order to update different elements such as the restrooms, various offices, and the airline ticket counter.
Our goal is to create a stress-free environment for the traveling public, working to improve the entire terminal little by little whether it be updating the furniture, bringing in different businesses (car rental agencies, restaurants, airlines, etc.), or just adding some new touches to the walls. We want our passengers to enjoy their travel and enjoy coming to the Yuma International Airport. As the years go by, improvements have been made with travelers in mind. This will not change because their business is the reason we are here today and we have and always will appreciate each and every one of them.
