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By 1954, plans were underway for the
extension of the Air Terminal Bldg to accommodate Customs Service for
International Traffic. In 1955, plans for the construction of a Control Tower
was approved. The Irving Organization constructed a 120 square foot hangar
which was 30 feet in height.
)
Two years later the Saint John Flying
Club erected a combined hangar and social building near the Southwest corner of
the Irving hangar. Unfortunately, this hangar was destroyed by fire on July 6,
1975. In June 1961, the Terminal Building extension was completed. A new black
topped taxiway was completed in July 1962 measuring 2750 feet long and 75 feet
wide.
)
The arrival of Jet
passenger service meant an upgrade was needed to extend a runway. Work began in
July 1963 and was completed in September 1964. In 1967, Carrigan Insurance Co.
built a combined hangar and flying club rooms from which they operated a
scheduled air service to various parts of New Brunswick under Air Brunswick.
Later, they were bought out by Air Canada.
)
On April 1, 1968 the
lands, premises, and equipment were sold to the Department of Transport. By
mutual agreement, all staff was retained. In 1972, Aircraftsmen Ltd. built a
4th hangar. This was a concrete and metal structure to be used for the sale and
maintenance of aircraft. It would also be used for the operation of a Charter
Service by Atlantic Central Airlines.
)
Further expansion to the lobby in the
Air Terminal Bldg was required due to a continued growth in the number of
passengers. In June 1973, 3400 sq ft were added to the groundside of the
building. Another 1700 sq ft were added in 1977 for a baggage pickup and
passenger exit. In 1975, Fundy Aviation Ltd. erected a metal hangar on a
concrete slab and while waiting for the hangar door to arrive, a gale hit the
city on Groundhog Day, February 2, 1976. The wind lifted the building straight
up over the hydro line and carried it into a field 150 feet away, where it
collapsed into useless rubble. There were 5 aircraft in the building at that
time, but fortunately, none were damaged. The hangar was rebuilt in 1976 and
serves as a flying school and for aircraft maintenance. Approval was given to a
private company to build a hangar on the site of the Saint John Flying Club
hangar which had been destroyed by fire. In 1980, a combined services building
was constructed to house a vehicle maintenance garage, general trade shops, and
a fire hall.
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