San Diego is responsible for setting more than 42 historical "firsts" in aviation. These include records for altitude, distance, speed, duration, in-flight refueling and aerial photography. Others include the first aviation radio and the first night flight.

At one time, San Diego was considered the "Air Capital of the West." Now, more than 75 years after the Airport's historic dedication ceremony on August 16, 1928, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority is working to ensure that the future of air transportation in the San Diego region is as illustrious as its past.

Today, at the beginning of the 21st century, San Diego International Airport is the nation's busiest single runway commercial airport — serving over 15 million passengers each year, and servicing 19 airlines, seven airfreight companies, 16 airline support providers and 23 concessionaires. A far cry from the first, dusty runway and single terminal, San Diego International Airport now contributes nearly $5 billion annually to the regional economy.