The Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA) was officially designated as a municipal airport on the 11th of May 1960 by Mayor Ellroy King (1959-1961) and the Corpus Christi City Council. This ever-adapting, modern facility is now coming up on its 50th Anniversary and it has been an amazing journey. Starting off as the Cliff Maus Airport in 1928, thanks to voters passing a $50,000 bond issue, the City of Corpus Christi was able to purchase a 180-acre pasture. The original airport consisted of one hangar, a business office and a runway.
During its beginnings, the Cliff Maus Airport had a steady stream of flights and cargo services. Because this era was known as the Golden Age of Air Racing, many aviation celebrities paid visits to the airport. In 1930, professional barnstormer Clyde ‘Upside Down’ Pangborn’s exhibition team gave demonstrations and flights for $1.00. The following year, Jimmy Doolittle made a brief stop for a quarter of an hour during his successful attempt to set a speed record from Ottawa, Canada to Mexico City.
By the 1950s, a larger airport was needed for the area but there was not enough room to expand the Cliff Maus Airport, so the City constructed the Corpus Christi International Airport. In 1954, then pro-tem Mayor Ellroy King and Eastern Airlines president, Eddie Rickenbacker were flown on a DC-3 for the short inaugural flight from Cliff Maus Airport to the new CCIA.
The Corpus Christi International Airport’s (CCIA) core areas of concentration are non-aeronautical businesses and services, air carrier services, general aviation and air cargo services. It is located on 2,600 acres of land, the terminal measures 165,000 square feet with 5 jet bridges and approximately 100 based aircraft on the field. In 2000, refurbishment began on the airport’s futuristic design of today with construction being completed in 2002. This fluid architecture was created by M. Arthur Gensler, Jr and Associates and lends an open, yet inviting feel to the busy airport. In 2003, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recognized CCIA as Airport of the year.
CCIA has 100,000 operations split between commercial, private and military aircraft. The facility also has sufficient room for additional growth. Airlines currently operating out of CCIA are American-Eagle, Continental and Southwest. [American Airlines has a long history with CCIA as they provided air mail and passenger service as American Airways began in 1932.] For the travelers of today, there is free WiFi with docking stations, 3 food concessions and a gift shop.
CCIA strives to be your choice of air travel connection to the world. The airport has many on-going projects to constantly provide world-class service to those who travel and to those who have businesses on airport property. A successful recycling program is also an integral part of the airport. They have their own Greenhouse, which was built out of recycled materials, and a very successful Energy Management Plan that continually implements energy-saving initiatives. The new Airfield and Maintenance Facility is the first building under construction by the City of Corpus Christi to utilize Green Initiatives.
A future project is the expansion of the Federal Inspection Services (FIS), which will permit international flights to have up to 250 passengers receive Customs clearance before proceeding to their final destination. Director of Aviation Fred Segundo and Airport Staff are always on the go investigating new air services for the Corpus Christi community and ensuring your local airport continues to soar.
The 50th Anniversary celebration will be held on Thursday, May 13, 2010 on the first floor of the Terminal. Time is yet to be announced. There will be a presentation by City representatives, our Director of Aviation and Airport Staff along with food, beverage and entertainment. All those who are interested in Aviation are cordially invited to come support your local airport on their celebratory evening. Parking will be validated for the event.
