Understanding the Naming and History of San Francisco International Airport

San Francisco International Airport (SFO), located about 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco in San Mateo County, is an essential transportation hub serving the San Francisco Bay Area. Its name, however, has a rich and intriguing story behind it. This article delves into the naming origins of SFO and traces its history to provide a comprehensive understanding of how and why the airport is named after the city.

The Naming of San Francisco International Airport

SFO is indeed named after the city of San Francisco, not the county, to prevent confusion. While the city and county are contiguous, the airport's name was chosen to clarify its primary service area. The initials SFO stand for the original name, San Francisco-Oakland Airport, which reflects the historical partnership between the two cities. However, with the establishment of a new international airport in Oakland, SFO now serves the primary air travel needs of the San Francisco Bay Area and the city of San Francisco itself.

The Original Plan for Treasure Island

In the early 1930s, San Francisco International Airport was originally planned to be on Treasure Island, a man-made island in the middle of the San Francisco Bay. The island was created for the 1939 World's Fair, which aimed to showcase San Francisco as a modern and bustling city.

Pan American Airways played a pivotal role in designing and constructing the initial infrastructure of the airport. They built a terminal on the edge of the island, complete with a control tower, to facilitate flying boat routes to Asia. This visionary project was part of a broader effort to extend international air travel to the Pacific region.

The Move to San Mateo County

While the 1939 World's Fair was celebrated, it was soon realized that the future of flying boats was uncertain. The aviation industry was rapidly evolving, and jet airplanes were becoming a reality. The era of seaplanes and flying boats was coming to an end, and their future viability on the island was questionable.

In response to these changing conditions, the city traded the treasure island land for a parcel of land on the San Francisco Bay shoreline in San Mateo County. This move was strategic, as it provided a more suitable location for modern airport infrastructure and runway design. Thus, the airport relocated to its current location, where it has become one of the most prominent and well-used international airports in the United States.

The Legacy of San Francisco-Oakland Airport

Even though the official name changed, the historical significance of San Francisco-Oakland Airport remains important. It marked a crucial period in the development of commercial aviation and the role of the Bay Area in the global aviation industry. Today, Oakland International Airport has its own identity and serves as a complementary hub to SFO, catering to different needs and passenger volumes.

Current Status of SFO and Its Influence

SFO continues to be a vital transportation gateway for the San Francisco Bay Area, serving millions of passengers each year. While it's named after the city, its strategic location and extensive facilities make it a cornerstone of the region's economic and cultural life. The airport's history also serves as a testament to the creativity and foresight of early aviation pioneers.

For more information about the history and development of San Francisco International Airport, visit the official website. Discover how the airport has evolved over the decades and continue to shape the future of air travel in the San Francisco Bay Area.