December 22, 2003
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Mindy Hamlin, Communications Manager
RDU Celebrates the Centennial of Flight
RDU Airport, NC – In honor of the Wright Brothers’ first flight, community leaders today will illuminate the Triangle Icon as part of Raleigh-Durham International Airport’s centennial of flight celebration. The sculpture evokes the spirit of invention embodied by the Wright Brothers and is a joint project of the cities of Durham and Raleigh, the counties of Durham and Wake and the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. The Icon is located at RDU.
“Orville and Wilbur Wright built a strong foundation for an industry that would spread its wings in the wake of their achievement,” said RDU Airport Director John Brantley. “Their invention has helped to shape our world and our community. The airport was the first public facility in the Triangle region to be created through inter-county cooperation, so it is only fitting that these same governments together honor the 100th anniversary of powered flight.”
On hand to illuminate the Icon will be Durham Mayor William “Bill” Bell, Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker, Chair of the Durham County Board of Commissioners Ellen Reckhow, Chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners Kenn Gardner and RDU Airport Authority Chairman David “Tim” Clancy.
The idea for a public sculpture as a symbol for the Triangle region was conceived several years ago by the First Flight Steering Committee. RDU was chosen as the ideal location for the sculpture since over the years it has become a gateway to the region.
The Icon was designed by architect and artist Wellington Reiter of Boston Massachusetts and Phoenix, Arizona.
As part of its 100th anniversary celebration, the RDU Airport Authority will also dedicate its general aviation terminal to the memory of Bruce Matthews, who was the first permanent employee of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Division of Aviation. Matthews is credited with leading the development of the North Carolina public airport system. He also helped smaller state airports upgrade their facilities to accommodate business jet aircraft.
The general aviation
terminal is the focal point of RDU’s newly redeveloped general aviation
complex. The facility, which will open for business in February 2004,
will feature a restaurant with an observation area, pilot’s lounge,
conference rooms and information and business services.
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