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Roland J. Groome
Regina and the airport occupy a unique place in Canadian aviation history. In honour of the man who brought commercial aviation to the city the flight operations area of Regina International Airport was named “Roland J. Groome Airfield” on August 3, 2005.
Returning from his duties as a flight instructor with the Royal Flying Corp in World War I, Regina native Lieutenant Roland J. Groome formed the Aerial Service Company and established Regina’s first airfield near what is now Hill Avenue and Cameron Street in April 1920. This was the first licensed aerodrome in Canada, then known as an “air harbour”.
Among many firsts Groome became the first licensed commercial pilot in Canada and on May 19,1919 he and his partner, Bob McCombie, made the first flight between Regina and Saskatoon. In fact, Groome and his partner's aircraft, a Curtiss JN-4 (Can) Canuck became the first officially registered aircraft in Canada, G-CAAA. The Regina International Airport is home to a replica model-sized Jenny aircraft in the Terminal as well as a mural chronicalling the aviation achievements of R.J. Groome.
Regina Municipal Airport
In 1927 the Regina Flying Club purchased land west of the city limits, and in 1930 the Regina Municipal Airport opened at the current site of Regina International Airport. In 1932, Regina Municipal featured the first paved runway between Montreal and Vancouver.
The Government of Canada took over operation of the Regina Airport in the 1970’s and remained responsible for it until 1999. This year marked the transfer of the airport to the new Regina Airport Authority. Across the country airports were being turned over to local authorities as mandated by the federal government. Since that time, the Regina Airport Authority Inc. has been operating as an autonomous, not for profit entity.
Regina Airport History
 Regina Airport History to 1985 3.53 Mb
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