History
From serving as the site of the first flight by a U.S. President in 1910, to providing the launching point for Charles Lindbergh’s historic flight to Paris in 1927 to showcasing the Minoru Yamasaki designed four-domed rooftop architecture of Terminal 1, STL provides a rich legacy of iconic travel. Today, STL has solidified its place as a vital link in the national aviation system by completing a multi-year modernization and renovation program called “The Airport Experience.” This program includes concourse renovations; new airline ticketing counters, signage and directories; advanced baggage delivery systems; and an art program – all designed with passenger expectations in mind to improve the STL experience.
Explore the timeline below to learn about STL's history.
1927
Col. Charles Lindbergh departs Saint Louis for New York to begin his historic non-stop solo flight to Paris, France.
1933
STL’s first passenger terminal is constructed for Robertson Airlines. The airfield serves a total of 24,133 passengers with more than 170,000 departures and landings.
1939
McDonnell Aircraft, the predecessor to McDonnell Douglas Corporation (and now Boeing), was established at the Saint Louis Airfield.
1956
Minoru Yamasaki designs the Main Terminal.
1960
McDonnell Aircraft Corporation starts assembly on the Mercury series spacecraft at STL.
1971
The airport’s name officially changes to Lambert-Saint Louis International Airport. Terminal expansion brought capacity to 81 gates.
1978
Production of the McDonnell Douglas Corporation F/A-18 Hornet begins and continues today with the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
1982
TWA names STL its principal domestic hub.
1985
Southwest Airlines begins service.
2006
STL completes the 4th runway (designated 11-29).