quad city international airport moline, il

Passengers will always be at the heart of what we do. We’re also keeping a keen eye out for ways to be more sustainable with the use of clean energy. We are embarking on a major renovation that will not only improve the passenger experience but also make sure the airport is the show-stopper our passengers deserve. Allegiant joined the airport in 2010 and offers nonstop flights to warm weather destinations we Quad Citizens love.Īs we look ahead to the future, we see the airport as a major player in helping our region evolve and grow. Unfortunately, AirTran was bought out but that left an opportunity for a new low-cost carrier to provide service to our growing leisure travelers. Nearly 1 million people traveled to and from MLI, thanks to low-cost carrier AirTran Airways. It was during the early 2000s that the airport grew to its highest number of passengers in history. In 2001, the airport doubled in size to include new concourses, a larger baggage claim area, a new restaurant and gift shops. We made our mark by becoming part of the airmail route for National Air Transport but it was clear that the next big thing on the horizon was passenger air travel and we were ready for it. Phoebe Omlie, the first woman to earn a transport pilot’s license and the first to receive an aircraft mechanic’s license set numerous records with her Velie Monocoupe which she named Miss Moline. A restored Monocoupe now hangs in the airport’s atrium. The stages of Velie transportation show the tremendous progress that was made. Davenport-based Velie Carriage Company then purchased the company that had been manufacturing the Monocoupe.

Iowa-native Clayton Folkerts designed the Monocoupe which featured side-by-side seating, an enclosed cockpit and was perfect for racing. Our early start meant lots of innovators wanted to find their place in aviation development. Wide open spaces meant being able to take off from any point on the field and it also meant there was plenty of room to grow. It’s easy to see from this aerial shot why Franing Field was such an attractive piece of land for an airport. Wesley Smith, joined together to develop an airport at Franing Field. Four local pilots, Gus DeSchepper, Floyd Ketner, Dr.

Quad city international airport moline, il