September 27, 2021 – Warwick, RI – Today the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) marked Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport’s 90^th Anniversary, celebrating 90 years of accomplishments while looking ahead to the continued evolution in air travel. As part of the celebration, arriving passengers were entertained with 90’s music during a live broadcast by local radio stations Lite 105 and Latino Public Radio. Travelers arriving during the broadcast were also treated with gift bags containing promotional giveaways, which were among their arriving luggage on the airport baggage carousel. Included among some of the gift bags were premium giveaways including flight vouchers donated by Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport’s airline partners, as well as signed New England Patriots and New England Revolution memorabilia donated by the teams.

Originally founded as Hillsgrove State Airport, the airport became the first state-owned and operated airport in the United States. While initial air service began in 1930, the airport was formally dedicated on September 27, 1931, which was celebrated with an air show that drew a crowd of over 150,000, which was estimated to be the largest crowd that had attended a public function in the country until that time. Hillsgrove State Airport was later renamed in honor of Theodore Francis (T. F.) Green, an avid supporter of aviation who served as Rhode Island's Governor from 1933-1937, then as a U.S. Senator.

“Despite the many hardships of the pandemic, the 90^th Anniversary of Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport provides an opportunity for all to take pride in the accomplishments of the past decades, while looking ahead to prosperity in our future,” said Iftikhar Ahmad, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation.

“Congratulations to Rhode Island T. F. Green Airport on 90 years of connecting Rhode Island to the nation and the world,” said Governor Dan McKee.

“For ninety years, so many great journeys began right here at the airport, which is such an important economic engine for the state.  We continue to invest in Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport and modernize it so it can continue serving the needs of Rhode Islanders for generations to come,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.

 “I know well that a modern and welcoming airport is vital to the economic development of a community,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “I was pleased to work with Governor Bruce Sundlun for whom the new terminal is named, to help revitalize the airport and also continue to work with Senator Jack Reed to support Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport in the United States Senate.”

“Happy 90^th Anniversary to Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport.  We hope you grow and prosper and continue to be an economic engine for all of Rhode Island and the City of Warwick,” said Rhode Island House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi.

“Happy Birthday to Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport,” said Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey.  “I’m honored to serve the Senate District that encompasses the entire airport, and I look forward to another great 90 years!”

“Congratulations to Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport on its 90^th Anniversary,” said Lt. Governor Sabina Matos. “Thank you for providing a quality service that gives a wonderful welcome to all the visitors that come to discover beautiful Rhode Island.”

 “I want to congratulate Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport on their 90 year anniversary,” said Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi.

“On behalf of the RIAC Board of Directors, we are thrilled to celebrate the anniversary of our airport with the travelers we serve, and we look forward to another 90 years striving to be the best airport we can to benefit Rhode Island and all of Southern New England,” said RIAC Board Chair Jonathan N. Savage.

Many Rhode Island officials and airport partners attended the celebration, with many providing congratulatory video remarks, which can be viewed at https://youtu.be/6tnEpq8hi6Y.

A timeline of 90 years of history of Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport can be found at https://www.pvdairport.com/corporate/airport-history. Additionally, excerpts from the October 1931 edition of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce’s “Providence Magazine” marking the development and dedication of the airport can be viewed at https://tinyurl.com/PVD-1931.

About Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport: A convenient and low-cost gateway to New England, Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) has a large catchment area with 7.5 million residents within 90 minutes of the airport. It attracts passengers from nearby Massachusetts and eastern Connecticut. PVD is located just outside of Providence, Rhode Island. Well known for ease of traveler access, affordable parking, and faster security lines, Rhode Island  T. F. Green International Airport was named as one of USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Best Small Airports” for 2021 as well as “Top Three” in Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best 2021” Awards for Top Domestic Airports. Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport was most recently named 4th “Best Airport” in the U.S. in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.