What To Know
- Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Spokane International Airport stands as a gateway to the vibrant city of Spokane, Washington.
- In 1947, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) established a system for assigning these codes, which were typically derived from the first letters of the airport’s location.
- It serves as a reminder of the airport’s historical roots and its importance as a transportation hub for the Pacific Northwest.
Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Spokane International Airport stands as a gateway to the vibrant city of Spokane, Washington. However, its enigmatic acronym, GEG, has puzzled travelers for decades. Why is Spokane airport called GEG? This blog post delves into the historical and practical reasons behind this peculiar designation.
The Historical Roots of GEG
The origins of GEG can be traced back to the early days of aviation when airports were designated using two-letter codes. In 1947, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) established a system for assigning these codes, which were typically derived from the first letters of the airport’s location.
In the case of Spokane, the original airport was located in the city’s West Central neighborhood. The IATA code for this airport was “SFF,” an abbreviation for “Spokane Field.” However, when the airport relocated to its current location in 1969, the IATA code needed to be changed.
The Practical Considerations
The choice of GEG as the new airport code was influenced by several practical considerations. First, the letters “G” and “E” were not already in use by any other major airports in the United States. This ensured that there would be no confusion when booking flights or tracking aircraft.
Second, the letter “G” is a common abbreviation for “general,” which is appropriate for an airport that serves both commercial and general aviation flights. The letter “E” has no particular significance but was likely chosen to create a more pronounceable acronym.
The Legacy of GEG
The GEG airport code has become synonymous with Spokane International Airport over the years. It is recognized by airlines, travel agents, and travelers alike. The acronym has also been incorporated into the airport’s branding and marketing materials.
The Airport’s Official Name
While the airport is commonly referred to as GEG, its official name is Spokane International Airport. This name is used on official documents, signage, and announcements. The GEG acronym is merely a convenient shorthand used for identification and communication purposes.
Other Interesting Airport Acronyms
Spokane International Airport is not the only airport with an unusual or memorable acronym. Here are a few other examples:
- LAX (Los Angeles International Airport)
- JFK (John F. Kennedy International Airport)
- ORD (Chicago O’Hare International Airport)
- MIA (Miami International Airport)
- ATL (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport)
The Importance of Airport Codes
Airport codes play a crucial role in the smooth operation of the global aviation industry. They facilitate efficient communication between airlines, airports, and air traffic control. Airport codes are also used for booking flights, tracking aircraft, and managing baggage.
In a nutshell: GEG, a Symbol of Spokane’s Aviation Heritage
The GEG airport code is a unique and recognizable symbol of Spokane International Airport. It serves as a reminder of the airport’s historical roots and its importance as a transportation hub for the Pacific Northwest. While the acronym may seem enigmatic at first, its practical origins and enduring legacy make it a fitting designation for one of the region’s busiest airports.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Why is Spokane airport not called SFF anymore?
A: The original airport in Spokane was called SFF, but when it relocated in 1969, the IATA code needed to be changed to avoid confusion with other airports.
Q: What does the letter “G” in GEG stand for?
A: The letter “G” does not stand for anything in particular but was chosen to create a more pronounceable acronym.
Q: What is the official name of Spokane International Airport?
A: The official name of Spokane International Airport is Spokane International Airport. The GEG acronym is a convenient shorthand used for identification and communication purposes.
Q: What is the meaning behind the airport codes LAX, JFK, ORD, MIA, and ATL?
A: LAX stands for Los Angeles International Airport, JFK stands for John F. Kennedy International Airport, ORD stands for Chicago O’Hare International Airport, MIA stands for Miami International Airport, and ATL stands for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Q: Why are airport codes important?
A: Airport codes play a crucial role in the smooth operation of the global aviation industry. They facilitate efficient communication between airlines, airports, and air traffic control. Airport codes are also used for booking flights, tracking aircraft, and managing baggage.
