History
Formal discussions concerning the establishment of an airport in New Bedford were held in March of 1939. The proposed building of the airfield would become a WPA (Works Project Administration) project.
Ground was broken for the New Bedford Municipal Airport on April 9, 1940. The airport was officially dedicated and approved as a commercial landing field by the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission on April 28, 1942. The airport consisted of two 3,500 ft. paved runways with lighting systems.
On November 12, 1942 upon request from the War Department the City turned the airport over to the U.S. Government to support the World War II effort for the duration of the war and for 6 months after its end. The field was occupied by the Army Air Corps which performed Atlantic Coast Patrols. At that time, the two runways were extended to 5,000 ft. in length and a hangar and several support buildings were constructed.
In April of 1944, the U.S. Navy took over control of the Airport and used it as a training post and auxiliary facility to the U.S. Air Station at Quonset Point, Rhode Island.
Anticipating the release of the Airport from the War Department, the City Council Committee on Ordinances, in 1946, proposed an ordinance for the creation of the Airport Commission. The Commission has the responsibility of the “care, custody, control and management” of the airport.
In August of 1950 an Administration Building was constructed along with an Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting building. Both buildings were completed in October of 1951. In 1957 Aviation history was made at the Airport when Omega Aircraft Corporation test flew the world’s first twin engine utility helicopter. In 1958, the FAA took over the Air Traffic Control, old military structures were removed and major drainage and lighting improvements were performed.
A Super Constellation on display at EWB
In the 1960’s and 1970’s, the airport continued to improve its facilities by continuous expansion of airport aprons and airport infrastructure.
In the 1980’s the airport served as a regional passenger hub with direct flights to Boston and New York. Over 50,000 passengers used the airport in one year.
PBA Martin 404
During the 1990’s New Bedford Municipal Airport became New Bedford Regional Airport (EWB), an accurate reflection of the geographic region served by the airport. This designation aligns with the City of New Bedford serving as the hub city for the South Coast region of Massachusetts.
Air Force Two arriving at EWB during the 1990’s
In 1998 the Airport Commission received a major grant from the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission for remodeling and renovation of the Terminal Building as the airport became a convenient aerial gateway to Cape Cod and the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
DC-9 taking off at EWB
During the mid-2000’s New Bedford Regional Airport became home to the Bridgewater State College aviation program, operated by Delta Connection Academy (DCA). Following the departure of DCA, in 2008 Bridgewater launched an in-house flight school. Presently, now known as Bridgewater State University, the school operates several aircraft and continues to make up a large portion of the annual operations at New Bedford Regional Airport.
A Bridgewater Cessna 172 departs on a training flight
From 2010 through 2014 the airport underwent an extensive 5-year, $30 million program of projects aimed to modernize the facilities and prepare the airport for future success. The projects included obstruction removal, safety area construction and eventually the reconstruction and 400-foot extension of Runway 5/23. The result is a fully compliant, 5,400’, grooved, Runway 5/23 served by an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and new MALSR approach lighting systems; a truly all-weather runway. New Bedford Regional Airport is also home to the only “Localizer Back-Course” approach procedure in the Northeast United States.
In 2017 the airport was awarded it’s Part 139 Certification. This certificate would allow larger commercial flights to operate into and out of the New Bedford Regional Airport.
Scot Servis, Mayor Jon Mitchell, and Paul Barton on July 5, 2017 after receiving Part 139 Certification
For the first time in nearly three decades, New Bedford Regional Airport hosted such a commercial airline. Elite Airways began in 2006 and served private charters, as well as commercial service. The fleet consists of two kinds of jets: the Bombardier CRJ-200, which seats 50 passengers, and the CRJ-700, which carries 70 passengers.
The partnership became possible after the airport experienced multiple renovations including, among other things a TSA checkpoint.
Elite Airways CRJ-700 on the Commercial Ramp
Nonstop jet service from New Bedford to Vero Beach, Florida was introduced on Dec. 16, 2017.
Elite Airways CRJ-200 soars out of New Bedford
Southern Airways Express Ribbon Cutting on August 19th, 2020
Southern Airways Express launched service from the New Bedford Regional Airport on August 26th, 2020. Nine-seat Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft operated daily flights to and from the island of Nantucket.
On September 28th, Southern Airways Express announced Year-Round Service and the selection of New Bedford as their New England Regional Base.
Facts
As a regional airport, EWB serves the community of New Bedford and the entire South Coast region of Massachusetts. Recently, the MassDOT Aeronautics Division completed an extensive statewide economic impact study. The results of this study were published during early 2015 and they show very positive things about New Bedford Regional Airport. EWB is responsible for $32.4 million worth of economic output. Said a different way, the value of the airport existing, for the local community, is $32.4 million! The study also found EWB is responsible for 297 jobs with a total payroll of $10.1 million. The jobs and payroll number include temporary and part time employment as well as full time positions at the airport.
Cape Air provides frequently scheduled service for passengers and cargo to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. With short flight times to both islands and inexpensive (seasonal) parking rates at the airport, Cape Air service to the islands is the easiest way to access the Martha’s Vineyard and/or Nantucket. Air service from New Bedford allows you to skip the bridge traffic and rough ferry ride, soaring above the rest to your destination in mere minutes!
Additionally, the airport and based businesses cater to a wide variety of general aviation operations. From small, single-seat, private aircraft up to the most advanced, large corporate jets capable of international operations from New Bedford Regional Airport, our facilities are well aligned with the diverse cross section of aviation that visits. The airport is also home to the Bridgewater State University Aviation Training Center, an accredited collegiate aviation program, the largest of its kind in New England.
New Bedford Regional Airport is a towered airport with superior facilities. A recently completed, 5-year, $30 million program of projects has positioned the airport with new infrastructure to leverage for growth in the future. The final stage of the program, a $13 million runway reconstruction has provided the airport with a 5,400’ primary runway. Runway 5/23, with its increased length, new drainage grooves and safety areas in addition to the existing Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach and on-demand U.S. Customers services make New Bedford Regional Airport a facility with an international reach.
Air Force Two arriving at EWB during the 1990’s
Scot Servis, Mayor Jon Mitchell, and Paul Barton on July 5, 2017 after receiving Part 139 Certification 
Elite Airways CRJ-200 soars out of New Bedford
Southern Airways Express Ribbon Cutting on August 19th, 2020