Saturday, June 13, 2026, MBN was on the road to the Capital Region International Airport.
Watch the welcome celebration (Event Launch with V.I.P. speakers) held Saturday morning at the Capital Region International Airport in the YouTube video shared below:
100 Years of Flight Celebration Landed at Capital Region International Airport, June 13th
LANSING, Mich.— The Capital Region International Airport will celebrate 100 years of flight by hosting a Centennial Celebration on Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the airport, located at 4100 Capital City Blvd. in Lansing. The opening ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m., with special presentations by former United States Senator Debbie Stabenow, United States Congressman Tom Barrett, State Senator Sarah Anthony, and Lansing’s Mayor Andy Schor.
MBN’s Chris Holman emceed the gathering. He welcomes Nicole Noll-Williams, CEO of the Capital Region Airport Authority, which operates the Capital Region International Airport. Next was Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, followed by former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow. Michigan U.S. Congressman Tom Barrett leads to State Senator Sarah Anthony, Paula Cunningham, chair of the Mid-Michigan Business Travel Coalition. The presentations moved on to some local officials, Clinton County Commissioner Robert Showers, Ingham County Commissioner Robert Peña, and Eaton County Commissioner Mark Mudry. The airport is at the nexus of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties, with much of its acreage in Clinton County, but is also designated as part of the city of Lansing. The dignitaries’ set was wrapped up with Julie Pingston, CDME, CMP, CTA, President & CEO of Choose Lansing, which handles travel and tourism in Mid-Michigan.
The video wraps up with Bob Hoffman, Ron O’Neil, and Sparty selecting the first prize winner of the day, along with some footage around the day’s festivities.
The event and parking were free to the public.
Young eventgoers ages 8 through 17 could take to the skies with free airplane rides hosted by Chapter 55 EAA-trained pilots. These flights offer a unique opportunity for young people to explore future careers in aviation. Flight spots are limited, weather permitting, and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Reaching 100 years is a proud moment for our airport and everyone who relies on it,” said John Shaski, chairman of the Capital Region Airport Authority. “This airport has grown alongside our region for a century, serving as a gateway for travel and a cornerstone for local progress. We are proud to look back at our history and look forward to a bright future.”
The open house will also feature static airplane displays, high-tech drone trucks, airport emergency vehicles, and a flight simulator provided by Eaton RESA. Guests enjoyed music, played bingo, and visited a wide variety of vendor booths. Hourly drawings will feature voucher giveaways, with attendees getting the chance to win up to $1,000 in flight vouchers.
“We are thrilled to celebrate 100 years of flight with our community,” said Nicole Noll-Williams, president and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Authority. “This event represents more than just a major milestone; it represents the long-lasting impact that the Capital Region International Airport has had within the community. Generating over $1 billion annually and supporting 1,000 on-site jobs, the airport remains a powerful engine for Mid-Michigan’s economic growth.”
A diverse group of local organizations, flight schools, and community partners will be on-site, including:
– Lansing Community College (LCC)
– Crosswinds Aviation
– Eaton RESA
– Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
– Capital Area District Library (CADL)
– Warbirds of Glory Museum
– Ingham County Emergency Management
– A Veteran Helping Veteran
– NuWave
– Michigan Rosies
– Tuskegee Airmen of Detroit
– MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU)
– MSU Mobility
– Capital Area Radio Drone Squadron (CARDS)
– Army
– Michigan State Police
– Avflight
– Choose Lansing
– Triterra
– And many more!
The Capital Region Airport Authority owns and operates the Capital Region International Airport (LAN), Mason Jewett Field Airport (TEW), and Port Lansing – a global logistics center and mid-Michigan’s only U.S. Port of Entry. The Capital Region International Airport is an important asset in the mid-Michigan community, driving $1 billion annually in economic impact with 700 people employed at the airport. The airport welcomes more than 352,000 visitors each year to connect throughout the country and the world. In addition to providing corporate and general aviation, the Capital Region International Airport moves 63.5 million pounds of cargo annually and is one of two airports in the state with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Federal Inspection Station. Port Lansing, mid-Michigan’s only U.S. Port of Entry and home to Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) #275 covering eight counties, also features a 48,000-square-foot cargo facility and container freight station, and 425 acres of ready-to-develop land. For more information, go to FlyLansing.com and visit the airport’s Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter accounts.
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When was the date of the first flight from LAN?
Think you know it? Take your turn at our Questions and LANswers Trivia happening on our social media pages, in honor of our Centennial Celebration year!
This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the help of our mid-Michigan community. As we reflect on 100 years of flight, we’re celebrating with #LANfans near and far with:
📝 Fun LAN trivia
⬅️ A peek into our history
⚾️ Fresh new swag
Climb aboard our social media to join in on the fun!
Saturday was the Centennial Celebration! folks brought their friends and family to enjoy free activities, airplane rides, refreshments, giveaways, and more.
🗓️ June 13
⏰ 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
📍Capital Region International Airport
4100 Capital City Blvd.
