ALEXANDRIA, La. (WNTZ) – Alexandria International Airport (AEX) joined airports across the country Tuesday in recognizing National Aviation Day, an observance first proclaimed in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to coincide with the birthday of aviation pioneer Orville Wright.

“Aviation supports about 87 million jobs worldwide, with a $4.1 trillion economic benefit,” said England Airpark Executive Director Ralph Hennessy. “On a local level, we are fortunate to have air service as an economic driver. Today, we celebrate the history of AEX as we continue to work with airlines to enhance air service into the future.”

England Airpark and AEX trace their origins back to 1939, when the site was built as an emergency airstrip for Esler Field near Pineville. The name “England” honors Lt. Col. John B. England, commander of the 389th Bomber Squadron. Over time, the airpark played a role in World War II and the Korean War before transforming into a multi-modal commerce hub that includes aviation, business, and residential development.

Today, AEX serves as a critical component of that development, handling about 200,000 passengers annually through two commercial airlines, American and Delta. The airport features three terminals for commercial, military, and government use, two runways, and one of Louisiana’s three 24-hour air traffic control towers. It also operates a 24-hour fixed-base operator, Million Air Alexandria, and houses Index D Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting services.

AEX also serves as an intermediate staging base for the U.S. Army’s Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk.

The England Economic and Industrial Development District oversees the 4,000-acre England Airpark, which includes AEX and supports industries ranging from transportation and manufacturing to education and engineering. The mixed-use site features more than 300 residential units and 1.5 million square feet of commercial space.