Many airports across the country did something special in recognition of National Aviation Day on August 19th including Yuma International Airport in Yuma, Arizona. Staff and ambassadors greeted departing and arriving passengers with gifts of appreciation which included a bottle of water, granola bar and information about National Aviation Day including the early history of aviation in Yuma.
Gladys Wiggins, Airport Director shared “It’s important to remember and bring recognition about this day to our passengers. It also gives us an additional opportunity to educate our passengers about the beginnings of Yuma’s rich aviation history adding various locations around Yuma they can visit to learn more.”
In 1939 President Franklin Roosevelt proclaimed August 19 as National Aviation Day to promote interest in aviation and to celebrate the world’s first pilot. The day coincides with the birthday of Orville Wright, who piloted the Wright Flyer.
Wiggins continued, “The airport staff work continuously to help promote aviation programs in Yuma to the community and work on improving our passenger’s experience while with us here in the airport terminal. This includes handing out water bottles to arriving guests. It is a personal touch to let them know we appreciate their business, and we have a few more great surprises in the future for passengers who choose to ‘Fly Yuma’.”
Aviation runs deep in the blood of many Yumans. If you are interested in learning more about Yuma’s rich aviation history you can visit places like City Hall, the Yuma Landing, call for a tour of Yuma International Airport or learn how to fly with one of our local flight instructors.
