PIA – A History: Air Service Returns (1945)!
The previous installment of this series covered efforts to improve Peoria’s Municipal Airport so that commercial airline service could be restored. Now, we will detail the actual restoration of service in 1945. RESUMPTION OF FLIGHTS In 1942, the Air Transport Command was formed to coordinate air freight and passenger service with the airlines. Personnel involved with the war effort were given priority, thus limiting air travel for the general public. By early 1945, an Allied victory over Nazi Germany seemed assured so commercial airline service could once again primarily cater to the general public. Since both American Airlines and Chicago & Southern Air Lines retained Peoria on their respective operating certificates, the only hurdle prior to resumption of flights was completion of a new terminal. By early April, representatives of the two carriers agreed to resume flights on May 1, 1945 as that was the estimated completion date for the terminal building. A Peorian