Philadelphia International Airport recently debuted a new exhibit commemorating the 75^th anniversary of the start of commercial air service.

With a nostalgic theme, the exhibit traces PHL’s transformation into a major hub airport and one of the largest economic engines in the region. Located along the Terminal C-D link, the exhibit is accessible to ticketed passengers and will be on display through December 2015.

“75 Years of Commercial Air Service” offers a photographic chronology of PHL, which has evolved from an airport in 1940 with approximately 40,000 annual passengers and only four airline carriers into today’s airport serving more than 30 million passengers a year with 29 carriers. The exhibit also provides historical narratives on PHL that pre-date the start of commercial air service in 1940.

“Some passengers from the area will likely remember the old days and appreciate how much has been achieved,” said Leah Douglas, chief curator, Philadelphia International Airport.

During the early 1940s, four carriers (American, Eastern, TWA and United) serviced PHL (then Philadelphia Municipal Airport). The airlines primarily flew 21-passenger two-motor Douglas DC-3 planes. Military security forced the airport to close during World War II. When commercial air service was restored in 1945, Philadelphia Municipal Airport was renamed Philadelphia International Airport with the start of transatlantic service by American Overseas Airlines.

Since 2000, the airport has invested $2 billion in capital improvements including two new terminals, new terminal connectors, a renovated and expanded terminal hub and expanded terminal facilities.