History

1940's

First opened in 1946 as Civic Memorial Airport, the airport consisted of a sod runway, a rotating green/white beacon, and an aircraft storage facility. Owned and operated by the Civic Memorial Airport Authority, ownership was transferred from the U.S. Government following the conclusion of World War II, to convert former military airstrips for civilian use.

In 1947, Walson Aviation established the airport’s first Fixed Base Operation (FBO) on the field, which eventually grew to become the world’s largest Cessna aircraft dealer at the time.

1960s - 1980s

By the mid-1960s, the airport added a terminal, administration building, and Air Traffic Control Tower. All of these facilities remain on the property to this day. During this time, Civic Memorial Airport was positioning itself as a major transportation hub in the region, thus adding more facilities such as t-hangars, a second paved runway, and additional aircraft services.

Shortly after, a 150-acre business park was constructed on the property offering businesses the opportunity to expand within a newly developed area.

With recent growth, in 1984, the airport changed its name to St. Louis Regional Airport as a way of distinguishing itself within the community and to increase visibility nationally with companies and aviators given its proximity to the population center of St. Louis, Missouri.

1990s - Present

Over the years, a single sod runway and storage facility acquired in 1946 has grown to its current 2,300 acres, 2 runways with the most advanced aircraft approaches, and numerous facilities. While many of the facilities remain in use or have been repurposed over time, there is still evidence of the early original facility. Although ownership and name changes, the original Walston Aviation is still present on the field today under the name of West Star Aviation, and the original terminal facility is being returned to aeronautical use after years of a restaurant. Development has continued with the addition of multiple non-aeronautical businesses beneficial to all members of the community, as well as additional aircraft facilities for local and visiting aviators. As of today, St. Louis Regional Airport is one of the premier general aviation airports in the St. Louis Region, as well as Illinois.