 |
Airport Information
|
Airport History
Willow Run Airport has a rich history, dating back to 1941 when Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh built the world's largest bomber facility at the airport.
During World War II, almost 8,700 B-24 "Liberator" bombers were built at Willow Run. During its peak production, the plant employed 42,000 people including "Rosie the Riviter."
I-94 freeway was extended to Willow Run by Henry Ford to ease transportation to the bomber plant.
After the war, the bomber plant was converted into a luxury passenger terminal. Commercial airline traffic was transferred from Detroit City Airport, and Willow Run became Detroit's principal airport.
In 1947, the federal government sold Willow Run to the University of Michigan for $1.00.
In the 1950's, some commercial air traffic began moving from Willow Run to Detroit Metro Airport. By 1966, all commercial airline traffic moved to Metro. Willow Run has been a cargo, general aviation, and executive aviation airport since.
In 1977, the University of Michigan sold Willow Run to Wayne County for $1.00.
Today, Willow Run is one of the largest cargo airports in the United States.
|
|
Airport History: Photo Gallery
|
B-24 Final Assembly,
Willow Run Plant, ca. 1944
(click image to enlarge)
|
B-24 Flight Operations
1945
(click image to enlarge)
|
(click image to enlarge)
|
(click image to enlarge)
|
(click image to enlarge)
|
(click image to enlarge)
|
(click image to enlarge)
|
(click image to enlarge)
|
(click image to enlarge)
|
(click image to enlarge)
|
(click image to enlarge)
|
(click image to enlarge)
|
(click image to enlarge)
|
(click image to enlarge)
|
|
|
