Nashville International Airport
Encyclopedia
Nashville International Airport is a joint civil-military airport in southeastern Nashville, Tennessee
. The IATA Airport Code BNA is derived from the early name of the facility—Berry Field, NAshville. Berry Field was the name of the airport until 1988, when the name was changed to reflect plans for international flights. The airport has four runways. The airport served nearly 9,160,000 passengers and over 87000 lt of cargo in 2011, making it the 35th busiest airport in the United States
.
Berry Field Air National Guard Base
is located at Nashville International Airport. The base is home to the 118th Airlift Wing
, an Air National Guard
unit operationally-gained by the Air Education and Training Command
(AETC) flying the Lockheed C-130, as well as the headquarters of the Tennessee Air National Guard
.
The terminal complex includes a 900000 square feet (83,612.7 m²) passenger terminal with 47 air carrier gates and up to 78 commuter parking positions. It contributes $3.74 billion in economic activity and $1.18 billion in wages and more than 39,700 jobs annually to the regional economy. The Airport serves a trade area of 79 counties in Middle Tennessee
, southern Kentucky
, and northern Alabama
. The airport is served by MTA
bus #18.
project. The airport opened in June of 1937 as Berry Field, named after Harry S. Berry, the Tennessee administrator for the Works Progress Administration
. The new airport included a 4000 feet (1,219.2 m) long concrete runway, a passenger terminal building, two hangars, and a flashing airport beacon. Within its first year of operation, Berry Field served 189,000 passengers.
During World War II
the airfield was requisitioned by the United States Army Air Force Air Transport Command
as the headquarters for the 4th Ferrying Command for movement of new aircraft from the United States to overseas locations. During this time, the Federal government expanded the airport to 1500 acres (6.1 km²). At the end of the war, the airport was returned to the control of the city.
, 22 on Eastern Air Lines
, two on Braniff International Airways
and two on Ozark Air Lines
. Even though the airport had been significantly enlarged through military construction during World War 2, the predecessor to the MNAA, the City Aviation Department, initiated a plan to expand and modernize the airport to meet growing needs for the Nashville and Middle Tennessee commercial market in 1958.
In 1960, Nashville's inaugural scheduled jet service began, and in 1961 the planned expansion was finalized with the completion of a new, 145000 square feet (13,470.9 m²) terminal facility off of Briley Parkway. In 1961, the increased passenger capacity was being well used, with 532,790 passengers and 6 airlines being served by the airport that year. This facility was the setting for several scenes in the 1975 Robert Altman
film Nashville. In 1963, the single paved runway (now Runway 2L-20R) was extended by 600 feet (182.9 m), and an additional crosswind runway (13-31) was constructed to improve operations in varying weather conditions.
hub. A year later it was renamed Nashville International Airport/Berry Field to reflect its additional international service. While it is now rare to see the "Berry Field" portion used, the airport's IATA code is short for Berry Field NAshville. In 1989, the planned parallel runway (2R-20L) was completed and opened for use.
Initially, American Airlines scheduled 135 flights daily to 60 cities; an international wing was built in Concourse A for flights to London
. American's service peaked in 1992, after which flights were gradually scaled back, eventually resulting in the cessation of hub operations. Southwest Airlines
quickly filled the void by seizing 47% of the Nashville market and making it a focus city. Today Nashville International Airport is served by 14 carriers with more than 375 average daily arriving and departing flights at 47 air carrier gates. Nashville International has direct air service to 90 markets.
Aircraft Maintenance Services (EAMS) selected Nashville as the location for its Regional Airline Support Facility. This facility was built on the site of the demolished 1961 terminal building.
In October of 2006, the Nashville Metropolitan Airport Authority initiated an extensive renovation of the terminal building. Phase one of the project involved updating and expanding food and vending services, improving flight information systems, and the construction of a new consolidated security checkpoint for all terminals. Phase one was completed in 2009. Phase two of the project involved the expansion of the ticketing and check-in areas, the construction and renovation of bathrooms, and the renovation of the baggage claim areas. Completion of the second phase of the renovation project is scheduled for 2011. In addition to the terminal renovation and expansion, the renovations included expanding parking and a new rental car facility. The new rental car facility, which opened in November of 2011, expands the airport's rental car capacity by almost 60% and frees up additional short term parking. The new facility includes a large public artwork installation by artist Ned Kahn
. The renovated terminal was named the Robert C. H. Mathews Jr. Terminal in honor of a MNAA board chair in 2011.
In addition to passenger amenities in the terminal and parking areas, the renovations included various improvements to the airport's infrastructure. The largest project was the complete demolition and rebuilding of Runway 2L-20R, one of the airport's original runways, which was completed in August of 2010. In addition to the rebuilding of Runway 2L-20R, Runway 2C-20C was closed from September through December of 2010 for pavement and concrete rehabilitation. BNA's 91 acre (0.36826426 km²) of tarmac were also rehabilitated during this project after being funded entirely by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
allotments.
BNA is home to an aviation themed art project and gallery entitled "Arts at the Airport". The award-winning Arts at the Airport program reviews and presents works by local, regional, and national artists for the enjoyment and enrichment of Nashville International Airport's passengers and visitors. In addition to visual art, Arts at the Airport includes various live music exhibitions, showcasing Nashville's musical heritage. Arts at the Airport is supported by the MNAA and the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC), and is funded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee.
The American Airlines
Admirals Club is located above gate C12. The facility, which was closed after September 11, 2001, reopened on July 11, 2007.
. All American Eagle flights operated out of Concourse D until, as a cost cutting measure after 9/11, all American Eagle flights were moved to Concourse C to share gates with American Airlines. For a short period of time, Concourse D was used by Corporate Airlines
to operate its own regional flights until it became an American Connection and Continental Connection
regional affiliate. Currently, the MNAA has no plans to reopen Concourse D. Concourse D is currently occupied by the Transportation Security Administration.
. It provides taxiway access to Nashville International's three parallel runways and crosswind international runway. The airport has seen considerable growth in its cargo offerings in recent years with the addition of a 70000 sq ft (6,503.2 m²) FedEx facility at BNA. China Airlines ceased operations at Nashville on July 31, 2009
Airlines with cargo operations at Nashville International Airport are:
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home...
. The IATA Airport Code BNA is derived from the early name of the facility—Berry Field, NAshville. Berry Field was the name of the airport until 1988, when the name was changed to reflect plans for international flights. The airport has four runways. The airport served nearly 9,160,000 passengers and over 87000 lt of cargo in 2011, making it the 35th busiest airport in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
Berry Field Air National Guard Base
Berry Field Air National Guard Base
Berry Field Air National Guard Base has hosted the Tennessee Air National Guard 118th Airlift Wing since 1937.-Overview:...
is located at Nashville International Airport. The base is home to the 118th Airlift Wing
118th Airlift Wing
The United States Air Force's 118th Airlift Wing is a unit of the Tennessee Air National Guard located at Berry Field Air National Guard Base at Nashville International Airport, Tennessee. As an Air National Guard organization, the wing is operationally gained by the Air Education and Training...
, an Air National Guard
Air National Guard
The Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
unit operationally-gained by the Air Education and Training Command
Air Education and Training Command
Air Education and Training Command was established July 1, 1993, with the realignment of Air Training Command and Air University. It is one of the U.S. Air Force's ten major commands and reports to Headquarters, United States Air Force....
(AETC) flying the Lockheed C-130, as well as the headquarters of the Tennessee Air National Guard
Tennessee Air National Guard
The Tennessee Air National Guard is the independent air arm of the Tennessee National Guard. Along with the Tennessee Army National Guard, it comprises the National Guard of the U.S...
.
The terminal complex includes a 900000 square feet (83,612.7 m²) passenger terminal with 47 air carrier gates and up to 78 commuter parking positions. It contributes $3.74 billion in economic activity and $1.18 billion in wages and more than 39,700 jobs annually to the regional economy. The Airport serves a trade area of 79 counties in Middle Tennessee
Middle Tennessee
Middle Tennessee is a distinct portion of the state of Tennessee, delineated according to state law as the 41 counties in the Middle Grand Division of Tennessee....
, southern Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
, and northern Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
. The airport is served by MTA
Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority
The Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority is a public transportation agency based in Nashville, Tennessee. Consisting of city buses and paratransit, the system serves Nashville and Davidson County. All bus routes serve the downtown transit station, Music City Central...
bus #18.
Origins
In 1935, with both the city of Nashville and the nascent air transportation industry rapidly expanding, the need for a dedicated commercial airport was realized. A Citizens Committee was organized by mayor Hillary Howse to research a location for a new airport on the outskirts of the city. A plot of land 340 acres (1.4 km²) in size along Dixie Parkway (now Murfreesboro Road) composed of four adjoining farms was selected as the site, and construction began in 1936 as a Works Progress AdministrationWorks Progress Administration
The Works Progress Administration was the largest and most ambitious New Deal agency, employing millions of unskilled workers to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads, and operated large arts, drama, media, and literacy projects...
project. The airport opened in June of 1937 as Berry Field, named after Harry S. Berry, the Tennessee administrator for the Works Progress Administration
Works Progress Administration
The Works Progress Administration was the largest and most ambitious New Deal agency, employing millions of unskilled workers to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads, and operated large arts, drama, media, and literacy projects...
. The new airport included a 4000 feet (1,219.2 m) long concrete runway, a passenger terminal building, two hangars, and a flashing airport beacon. Within its first year of operation, Berry Field served 189,000 passengers.
During World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
the airfield was requisitioned by the United States Army Air Force Air Transport Command
Military Air Transport Service
The Military Air Transport Service is an inactive Department of Defense Unified Command. Activated on 1 June 1948, MATS was a consolidation of the United States Navy Naval Air Transport Service and the United States Air Force Air Transport Command into a single, joint, unified command...
as the headquarters for the 4th Ferrying Command for movement of new aircraft from the United States to overseas locations. During this time, the Federal government expanded the airport to 1500 acres (6.1 km²). At the end of the war, the airport was returned to the control of the city.
Jet service
Airline traffic began to increase in the postwar period, including in Nashville. The April 1957 OAG shows 50 weekday departures: 24 on American AirlinesAmerican Airlines
American Airlines, Inc. is the world's fourth-largest airline in passenger miles transported and operating revenues. American Airlines is a subsidiary of the AMR Corporation and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas adjacent to its largest hub at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport...
, 22 on Eastern Air Lines
Eastern Air Lines
Eastern Air Lines was a major United States airline that existed from 1926 to 1991. Before its dissolution it was headquartered at Miami International Airport in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, Florida.-History:...
, two on Braniff International Airways
Braniff International Airways
Braniff International Airways was an American airline that operated from 1928 until 1982, primarily in the midwestern and southwestern U.S., South America, Panama, and in its later years also Asia and Europe...
and two on Ozark Air Lines
Ozark Air Lines
Ozark Air Lines was a commercial airline that operated in the United States from 1950 until 1986, when it was purchased by Trans World Airlines. A second, smaller airline by that same name operated in 2000-2001. Ozark, from 1950 until 1986, had its headquarters on the grounds of Lambert-St. Louis...
. Even though the airport had been significantly enlarged through military construction during World War 2, the predecessor to the MNAA, the City Aviation Department, initiated a plan to expand and modernize the airport to meet growing needs for the Nashville and Middle Tennessee commercial market in 1958.
In 1960, Nashville's inaugural scheduled jet service began, and in 1961 the planned expansion was finalized with the completion of a new, 145000 square feet (13,470.9 m²) terminal facility off of Briley Parkway. In 1961, the increased passenger capacity was being well used, with 532,790 passengers and 6 airlines being served by the airport that year. This facility was the setting for several scenes in the 1975 Robert Altman
Robert Altman
Robert Bernard Altman was an American film director and screenwriter known for making films that are highly naturalistic, but with a stylized perspective. In 2006, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognized his body of work with an Academy Honorary Award.His films MASH , McCabe and...
film Nashville. In 1963, the single paved runway (now Runway 2L-20R) was extended by 600 feet (182.9 m), and an additional crosswind runway (13-31) was constructed to improve operations in varying weather conditions.
Continued expansion and modernization
By the 1970s, the airport was again in need of major expansion and modernization. With the city of Nashville continuing to expand, the facilities built in the 1960s were not large enough to handle increasing aircraft sizes and passenger loads. In 1973, the newly created Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority finalized a Master Plan to coordinate the long term growth of the airport along projected increases in needed passenger capacity. This plan included the building of a new terminal and a new parallel runway across Donelson Pike to handle increasing operations by reducing the time between consecutive takeoffs and landings.Modern terminal and hub status
The current passenger facility on Donelson Pike opened in 1987, and was designed for a new American AirlinesAmerican Airlines
American Airlines, Inc. is the world's fourth-largest airline in passenger miles transported and operating revenues. American Airlines is a subsidiary of the AMR Corporation and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas adjacent to its largest hub at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport...
hub. A year later it was renamed Nashville International Airport/Berry Field to reflect its additional international service. While it is now rare to see the "Berry Field" portion used, the airport's IATA code is short for Berry Field NAshville. In 1989, the planned parallel runway (2R-20L) was completed and opened for use.
Initially, American Airlines scheduled 135 flights daily to 60 cities; an international wing was built in Concourse A for flights to London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. American's service peaked in 1992, after which flights were gradually scaled back, eventually resulting in the cessation of hub operations. Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines Co. is an American low-cost airline based in Dallas, Texas. Southwest is the largest airline in the United States, based upon domestic passengers carried,...
quickly filled the void by seizing 47% of the Nashville market and making it a focus city. Today Nashville International Airport is served by 14 carriers with more than 375 average daily arriving and departing flights at 47 air carrier gates. Nashville International has direct air service to 90 markets.
Recent improvements
In 2002, EmbraerEmbraer
Embraer S.A. is a Brazilian aerospace conglomerate that produces commercial, military, and executive aircraft and provides aeronautical services....
Aircraft Maintenance Services (EAMS) selected Nashville as the location for its Regional Airline Support Facility. This facility was built on the site of the demolished 1961 terminal building.
In October of 2006, the Nashville Metropolitan Airport Authority initiated an extensive renovation of the terminal building. Phase one of the project involved updating and expanding food and vending services, improving flight information systems, and the construction of a new consolidated security checkpoint for all terminals. Phase one was completed in 2009. Phase two of the project involved the expansion of the ticketing and check-in areas, the construction and renovation of bathrooms, and the renovation of the baggage claim areas. Completion of the second phase of the renovation project is scheduled for 2011. In addition to the terminal renovation and expansion, the renovations included expanding parking and a new rental car facility. The new rental car facility, which opened in November of 2011, expands the airport's rental car capacity by almost 60% and frees up additional short term parking. The new facility includes a large public artwork installation by artist Ned Kahn
Ned Kahn
Ned Kahn is an environmental artist and sculptor, famous in particular for museum exhibits he has built for the Exploratorium in San Francisco...
. The renovated terminal was named the Robert C. H. Mathews Jr. Terminal in honor of a MNAA board chair in 2011.
In addition to passenger amenities in the terminal and parking areas, the renovations included various improvements to the airport's infrastructure. The largest project was the complete demolition and rebuilding of Runway 2L-20R, one of the airport's original runways, which was completed in August of 2010. In addition to the rebuilding of Runway 2L-20R, Runway 2C-20C was closed from September through December of 2010 for pavement and concrete rehabilitation. BNA's 91 acre (0.36826426 km²) of tarmac were also rehabilitated during this project after being funded entirely by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, abbreviated ARRA and commonly referred to as the Stimulus or The Recovery Act, is an economic stimulus package enacted by the 111th United States Congress in February 2009 and signed into law on February 17, 2009, by President Barack Obama.To...
allotments.
Arts at the Airport
BNA is home to an aviation themed art project and gallery entitled "Arts at the Airport". The award-winning Arts at the Airport program reviews and presents works by local, regional, and national artists for the enjoyment and enrichment of Nashville International Airport's passengers and visitors. In addition to visual art, Arts at the Airport includes various live music exhibitions, showcasing Nashville's musical heritage. Arts at the Airport is supported by the MNAA and the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC), and is funded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee.
Airline lounges
Nashville International Airport is home to a Delta Air Lines Sky Club located adjacent to gate B3.The American Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines, Inc. is the world's fourth-largest airline in passenger miles transported and operating revenues. American Airlines is a subsidiary of the AMR Corporation and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas adjacent to its largest hub at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport...
Admirals Club is located above gate C12. The facility, which was closed after September 11, 2001, reopened on July 11, 2007.
Concourses, airlines, and destinations
Nashville International Airport has four concourses, of which only three are actually in use.Concourse D
This concourse, currently closed by the Metro Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA), was constructed as a ground level commuter terminal for American EagleAmerican Eagle Airlines
American Eagle Airlines is a brand name used by American Eagle Airlines, Inc. , based in Fort Worth, Texas, and Executive Airlines based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the operation of passenger air service as regional affiliates of American Airlines. All three airlines are wholly owned subsidiaries...
. All American Eagle flights operated out of Concourse D until, as a cost cutting measure after 9/11, all American Eagle flights were moved to Concourse C to share gates with American Airlines. For a short period of time, Concourse D was used by Corporate Airlines
RegionsAir
RegionsAir was a Part 121 regional airline. Its headquarters and maintenance base were located at the Smyrna Airport in Smyrna, Tennessee, USA|. The hub airports for RegionsAir were Lambert-St...
to operate its own regional flights until it became an American Connection and Continental Connection
Continental Connection
Continental Connection is a brand name under which several commuter airline carriers and their holding companies operate services marketed exclusively by Continental Airlines...
regional affiliate. Currently, the MNAA has no plans to reopen Concourse D. Concourse D is currently occupied by the Transportation Security Administration.
Atlantic Aviation Terminal
Statistics
| Rank | City | Passengers | Carriers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Atlanta, GA |
300,000 | Delta, Southwest |
| 2 |  Dallas/Fort Worth, TX |
272,000 | American |
| 3 |  Denver, CODenver International Airport Denver International Airport , often referred to as DIA, is an airport in Denver, Colorado. By land size, at , it is the largest international airport in the United States, and the third largest international airport in the world after King Fahd International Airport and Montréal-Mirabel... |
257,000 | Frontier, Southwest, United |
| 4 |  Chicago, IL (Midway) |
227,000 | Southwest |
| 5 |  Charlotte, NC |
215,000 | US Airways |
| 6 |  Baltimore, MD |
203,000 | Southwest |
| 7 |  Detroit, MIDetroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport , usually called Detroit Metro Airport, Metro Airport locally, or simply DTW, is a major international airport covering in Romulus, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. It is Michigan's busiest airport.... |
201,000 | Delta, Southwest |
| 8 | Chicago, IL (O'Hare) O'Hare International Airport Chicago O'Hare International Airport , also known as O'Hare Airport, O'Hare Field, Chicago Airport, Chicago International Airport, or simply O'Hare, is a major airport located in the northwestern-most corner of Chicago, Illinois, United States, northwest of the Chicago Loop... |
167,000 | American, United |
| 9 |  Orlando, FLOrlando International Airport Orlando International Airport is a major international airport located southeast of the central business district of Orlando. It is the second busiest airport in Florida, after Miami International Airport... |
150,000 | Southwest |
| 10 |  Philadelphia, PAPhiladelphia International Airport Philadelphia International Airport is a major airport in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, and is the largest airport in the Delaware Valley region and in Pennsylvania... |
140,000 | Southwest, US Airways |
Cargo facilities
Air cargo integrators, charter cargo airlines and air express companies operate daily from the Nashville Air Cargo all-cargo complex. The complex, located across the airfield from the airport's passenger facility, is within five minutes of Interstate 40Interstate 40
Interstate 40 is the third-longest major east–west Interstate Highway in the United States, after I-90 and I-80. Its western end is at Interstate 15 in Barstow, California; its eastern end is at a concurrency of U.S. Route 117 and North Carolina Highway 132 in Wilmington, North Carolina...
. It provides taxiway access to Nashville International's three parallel runways and crosswind international runway. The airport has seen considerable growth in its cargo offerings in recent years with the addition of a 70000 sq ft (6,503.2 m²) FedEx facility at BNA. China Airlines ceased operations at Nashville on July 31, 2009
Airlines with cargo operations at Nashville International Airport are:
- FedEx Express
- Capital Cargo
Accidents and incidents
- On October 15, 1943, an American Airlines DC-3 crashed near Centerville, TennesseeCenterville, TennesseeCenterville is a town in Hickman County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 3,793 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Hickman County. It is probably best known for being the hometown of country comedian Minnie Pearl...
en route to MemphisMemphis, TennesseeMemphis is a city in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Tennessee, and the county seat of Shelby County. The city is located on the 4th Chickasaw Bluff, south of the confluence of the Wolf and Mississippi rivers....
after departing Nashville due to carburetor and wing icing. All 11 passengers and crew were killed. - On September 28, 1963, an Eastern Air Lines Douglas DC-7Douglas DC-7The Douglas DC-7 is an American transport aircraft built by the Douglas Aircraft Company from 1953 to 1958. It was the last major piston engine powered transport made by Douglas, coming just a few years before the advent of jet aircraft such as the Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8.-Design and...
crashed on landing after the aircraft's nose gear collapsed. All 45 passengers and crew survived. - On May 31, 1985, a Gulfstream I crashed immediately after takeoff due to failure of the left engine. Of 2 aboard, 2 were killed.
- On September 9, 1999, a TWATwaThe Twa are any of several hunting peoples of Africa who live interdependently with agricultural Bantu populations, and generally hold a socially subordinate position: They provide the farming population with game in exchange for agricultural products....
DC-9 suffered a landing gear collapse after a hard touchdown. All 46 passengers and crew survived.
External links
- Nashville International Airport (official site)