Dignitaries from the worlds of Alaska politics and aviation were on hand Dec. 18 to unveil a historic wall display, commemorating 50 years of service at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.
The wall display, located in the south terminal near the United Airlines counter on the upper level, outlines highlights of progress at the airport through the years.
Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski called the edifice a "living testament to the can-do spirit of Alaska."
He compared the airport to the heart of the state, with arteries extending from Anchorage to its furthest extremities.
| [an error occurred while processing this directive] |
"It is the commerce of Alaska," Murkowski said. "It's more than an airport."
The governor noted the capacity of the airport for international commerce, in particular the expanding business opportunities in Asia.
Murkowski said the new wall display will help give passengers a good first impression of Alaska.
And addressing the aviation pioneers and officials in attendance, Murkowski said the momentum generated by their efforts is a source of state pride throughout Alaska.
The governor pointed out another unique characteristic of the Anchorage airport, saying "it's one of the few airports in the world with a sign that says, 'train depot, this way.'"
Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens praised the airport for positioning itself to be a global player for the future in the international marketplace.
"In the past it's been a hub for the state. Now it's the hub for global travel," Stevens said. "We are truly now the crossroads of the world, at least for the northern hemisphere."
Stevens reiterated the significance of aviation to Alaska's growth and development.
"This airport has been our state's lifeline," he said. "It will carry us into the future as Alaskans. I'm more than honored to have my name here."
Congressman Don Young was among the guests.
"This is the center of the wheel of commerce," Young said of the airport's role.
Kevin Pearson, vice president of business development for the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, was impressed with the new wall display.
"I think it is an outstanding tribute to aviation in Anchorage," Pearson said. "It's aesthetically pleasing. It lets visitors know what aviation means to this community and to the state. We have some of the boldest pilots in the world that live here."
According to airport documents from a September 2001 study, nearly 1 in 10 jobs in Anchorage are a result of airport commerce, with 9,119 airport jobs and 5,631 community jobs. The airport produces approximately $367 million in direct annual payroll and another $148 million in annual payroll for community jobs.
Pearson said the importance of aviation to state commerce can't be overstated.
"Aviation is just about everything, especially when you're looking at communities out in the Bush and the Interior," Pearson said. "Aviation literally is the lifeline to a lot of smaller communities, especially when it comes to emergency items. And aviation provides literally thousands of jobs."
Airport records show that from 1995-2002, private facility investment at Ted Stevens airport totaled $180 million, including $100 million by Federal Express, $25 million by Williams/Lynxs, $18 million by United Parcel Service and $11 million by Alaska Airlines. Another $140 million was invested in proposal and design, for a total investment of $320 million.
The year 2003 is a historic milestone for aviation in Alaska.
Not only is it the 50th anniversary of Anchorage airport, it also is the 100th anniversary of flight.
The Wright Brothers' first flight was Dec. 17, 1903 at Kitty Hawk, N.C. Fifty years later, the Anchorage International Airport had its official opening ceremony in October 1953.
