A year-long 75th anniversary celebration is already underway for the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. The airport was dedicated November 2, 1947, and American Airlines was the first commercial flight taking off from then Capital Airport.  Airport Executive Director Mark Hanna says the current airport is the third airport to serve the greater Springfield area through the years.  Other airports included Bosa Field/Lindbergh Field and Southwest Airport.

Upcoming events for the 75th anniversary celebration include an aviation themed kids camp with Kidzeum at Southwind Park and an airport open house in August.

Hanna, appearing on the WTAX Morning Newswatch, says the airport’s biggest challenge right now is air service due to a shortage of pilots and technicians.  This, he says, is a nationwide problem.  As to the future, Hanna predicts Springfield will see electric aircraft within the next decade, and he encourages students to go into the aviation industry including the aviation mechanics program at Lincoln Land Community College.

Hear Mark Hanna’s interview with Joey McLaughlin on the WTAX Morning Newswatch.