Great Falls International Airport (GTF) is located in Great Falls, Montana and is the major commercial airport in north-central Montana. The airport is owned and operated by Cascade County and serves as a hub for travelers in and out of the region.
The history of Great Falls International Airport dates back to the early 1920s when the city of Great Falls formed an aviation committee to explore the possibility of building a municipal airport. In 1927, the city leased a small tract of land for the airport and construction began shortly thereafter. The first plane to land in Great Falls was a US Army Air Corps plane in 1928.
The airport was initially known as Great Falls Municipal Airport, but in 1941 it was renamed to honor the city’s first mayor, William A. Clark. Clark was a prominent local businessman and philanthropist, and the airport was renamed in his honor. Since then, the airport has continued to be known as Great Falls International Airport.
The airport code GTF was assigned by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 1950, which is the global trade organization responsible for assigning airport codes. The code is derived from the first two letters of the airport’s name.
Today, Great Falls International Airport serves approximately 150,000 passengers per year, mostly on commercial flights operated by United, Delta, and Alaska Airlines. The airport offers daily non-stop flights to Denver, Seattle, and Minneapolis, as well as seasonal flights to Los Angeles, Chicago, and Las Vegas. The airport also offers daily private charter, cargo, and general aviation services.
In total, Great Falls International Airport offers up to 12 flights per day, with the busiest days being Fridays and Sundays. The airport also plays an important role in the local economy, providing jobs to over 1,000 people. In addition, the airport is a major hub for air cargo, providing services for many businesses in the area.
Comments