Grand Central Airport (California)

Grand Central Air Terminal Interior 17 November 2015

TWA DC-1

Grand Central runway today

1400airway

Grand Central Creative Campus map

Grand Central Airport was a significant airport located in Glendale, California, that played a crucial role in the development of American aviation history. Opening in 1923, it served as the main airport for the Los Angeles area until the completion of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in 1937. Grand Central Airport was not only a hub for early commercial aviation but also a key site for aviation innovation and the development of the aerospace industry in Southern California.

History

The airport was established by the Grand Central Air Terminal Company, a subsidiary of the Douglas Aircraft Company, which saw the potential for air travel in the Los Angeles area. The terminal building, designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, was completed in 1928 and became a landmark for its architectural elegance and the role it played in early commercial air travel.

During its peak, Grand Central Airport was the departure and arrival point for many pioneering flights, including the first commercial west-to-east transcontinental flight flown by Charles Lindbergh. The airport was also home to the first United States Postal Service air mail service in California, further cementing its place in aviation history.

Aviation Innovations and Contributions

Grand Central Airport was a center for aviation innovation. It hosted many of the early aircraft manufacturers, including Lockheed, which started operations there in 1928. The airport was the birthplace of the Lockheed Vega, a plane that would set numerous speed and distance records. Amelia Earhart, Wiley Post, and Howard Hughes were among the famous aviators who flew aircraft built at Grand Central.

The airport also played a crucial role during World War II, serving as a training base for pilots and mechanics. Its proximity to Hollywood also made it a popular filming location for the burgeoning film industry, further intertwining its legacy with the cultural history of Southern California.

Decline and Closure

The growth of the aviation industry and the increasing size of aircraft necessitated larger airports, leading to the decline of Grand Central Airport. The opening of LAX, with its longer runways and more modern facilities, marked the beginning of the end for Grand Central. By the 1950s, the airport had ceased all commercial operations, transitioning into a base for private and corporate planes until its final closure in 1959.

Legacy

Today, the site of Grand Central Airport is occupied by the Grand Central Business Centre, an industrial and office complex. The original terminal building has been preserved and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It serves as a reminder of the airport's historical significance and its role in the development of commercial aviation in the United States.

The legacy of Grand Central Airport lives on in the memories of those who flew from its runways and in the history of aviation as a pioneering airport that helped shape the future of air travel.