History of the Beverly Airport

Airport History
Beverly Municipal Airport was built in 1928 through the efforts of the Beverly Aero Club and the Beverly Chamber of Commerce. Shortly thereafter, the City of Beverly assumed ownership. During World War II the U.S. Navy operated the airport under a joint-use agreement. And, in 1950, the airport was formerly returned to the City of Beverly.

Beverly Municipal Airport is one of thirty-eight (38) airports within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Statistically, one out of every seven (7) municipalities in the state has an airport.

Importance of Beverly Airport
Beverly Municipal Airport, like most airports, provides an economic benefit to the community. Businessmen have quick, convenient access to visit customers or attend meetings. Corporate users of the Beverly Airport range from the very small companies to Fortune 500 companies.

The airport attracts industry that, in turn, provides the community with jobs. One of the reasons Cherry Hill Industrial Park was built adjacent to the airport was because the developer wanted airport accessibility. The businesses (and employees) also pay taxes to the communities and inject payroll and business dollars into the community.

Airport commercial activities and grant monies also inject money into the community. In a recent survey Beverly Municipal Airport generates approximately $14,000,000 per year in economic activity to the local area.

Commercial business deliveries also help businesses like manufacturers, auto dealerships, and others receive parts and specialized equipment. Local hospitals can receive timely delivery of organs, blood, and medicine and patients can be transported when minutes matter. The airport is also important to search & rescue and disaster relief efforts. Last, the airport can provide enjoyment to the community with airshows and aircraft displays.

The Future
The Airport Master Plan has been completed (2000) and has identified those projects needed to better serve the transportation needs of the community, improve safety, and improve revenue generation for the airport.

Airport Projects
Some future projects are: environmental assessments of proposed airfield improvements, update airport layout plan, taxiway design and reconstruction, acquire easements, ramp design and reconstruction, obstruction clearing and runway reconstruction.