Celebrating 75 years serving the nation's capital
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport’s celebrations, in honor of its 75th anniversary was held on June 16 2016, hit full-swing the week of June 13, with promotions, giveaways, performances and a special historic aircraft arrival.
Restaurants across the airport offered a “First Class Meal Deal,” special $19.41 dishes in honor of the airport’s founding in 1941. Shoppers and diners at the airport were able to take advantage of a ‘gift with purchase’ promotion, receiving a free, vintage travel bag with $100 in combined purchases at the airport. Many stores had special deals and discounts as part of the celebrations.
On Reagan National’s actual anniversary, June 16, the airport pulled out all the stops. Travelers on the 75th arriving flight were treated to a celebration of their own, a special musical and dance performances and a giveaway at the gate.
The airport also hosted the Aero Club of Washington for a lunch on June 16 in the Historic Lobby—the original ticketing area of the airport when it opened—with remarks from Doug Parker, President and CEO of American Airlines.
Finally, the airport received a special visit to commemorate the event—Flagship Detroit, a restored, American Airlines DC-3 aircraft and the same model that opened National Airport 75 years earlier—arrived on the evening of Wednesday, June 15, for display at the Aero Club Lunch. Spectators caught a glimpse of Flagship Detroit in flight.