After the United States entered World War I the expansive plain was heavily used by the federal government in August–September 1917 as Camp Bartlett, a mobilization and training camp for the 103rd and 104th Infantry Regiments of the 26th "Yankee" Division, prior to deployment in France.[7]
In 1923 citizens of Westfield, and nearby Holyoke set out to build an airport. A group of influential local businessmen was charged to convince the owner of the land where the airport is now, Vincent E. Barnes, to sell his land to the City of Westfield for an airport. Barnes agreed to donate his land. The 27-acre (110,000 m2) plot was named Westfield Aviation Field and was dedicated on October 12, 1923. As the field gained in popularity, Vincent Barnes leased the city another 27-acre (110,000 m2) plot, with a fee of $1 per year starting in 1927.[8] In 1936 Mrs. Barnes and her daughter Saddie Knox donated an additional 297 acres (1.2 km2) to the city of Westfield; shortly thereafter, the City Council voted to name the airport after the family that made it possible.
In 1939-40 the administration building, hangar, and the beacon light were built with grant money totaling near $90,000. Soon a passenger service started: on October 28, 1937, a 10-passenger tri-motor Stinson began weekly flights between Westfield and Newark, New Jersey. American AirlinesDC-3s operated out of Westfield 1938 to 1950 and Mohawk DC-3s 1953 to 1959. The January 1951 chart shows 4970-ft runway 2, 3970-ft runway 9, and 5000-ft runway 15; same nine years later except runway 2 was 7000 ft.
In the last 50 years the airport has expanded to 1,200 acres and added a VORTAC and an ILS. In 1974 the Air Traffic Control Tower opened.
A $7.6 million construction project started in April 2020 to rebuild runway 15–33. The last reconstruction of this runway was completed in 1970's.[9]
The airport covers 1,200 acres (5 km2) at an elevation of 270 feet (82 m). It has two asphalt runways: 2/20 is 9,000 by 150 feet (2,743 × 46 m) and 15/33 is 5,000 by 100 feet (1,524 × 30 m).[1]
The airport recently opened a new administration and terminal, replacing a terminal that housed the original control tower. It is also the site of a major Massachusetts Air National Guard fighter jet wing and support installation.
Aircraft
In the year ending March 31, 2022, the airport had 47,815 aircraft operations, average 131 per day: 85% general aviation, 12% military, 2% air taxi, and <1% commercial.[1]
124 aircraft were then based at the airport: 86 single-engine, 6 multi-engine, 4 jet, 1 helicopter, 26 military, and 1 ultralight.[1]
Occasionally the airport will service charter flights for the University of Massachusetts Amherst sports teams such as by Sun Country Airlines using Boeing 737-800 aircraft.[11]
Fixed-base operator and Maintenance Facilities
Barnes Regional Airport has one fixed-base operator (FBOs) and one G A Maintenance Facility.
Atlantic Aviation is the newest FBO, operating in the new terminal building which includes a conference room, weather facilities, and comprehensive pilot services. They sell Shell fuel and provide typical FBO services including de-icing,storage and tie down.
Aero Design Aircraft Services - formerly Aero Design Concepts is a GA maintenance facility providing maintenance, repair, and servicing. They also offer interiors and upholstery to all G A aircraft. Established in 1984, Aero Design is the sole G A maintenance facility on the airport. Aero Design also offers daily and extended tie downs on its ramp.
Aero Design is located at the intersections of taxiways Alfa and Bravo, right below the Tower.
Flight Schools
Established in 2017, FLY LUGU (Look Up, Go Up) is the main flight school at Westfield Barnes Airport. Offering training in a variety of modern equipped aircraft including single engine Cessna 150, 172, 182, Piper Archer.
Twin engine training is done utilizing Beechcraft Baron. All pilot ratings are offered.
Restaurant and Bar
The Runway restaurant closed in early 2015 and became occupied by Papps Bar. Papp’s closed after approximately 2 years in operation and became Sok’s which offered high end cocktails and Asian Fusion type fair. Sok’s closed after another 18-24 months. In 2020 Tobiko, which translates to “Flying Fish” opened. They offer an extensive sushi and sashimi menu, as well as ramen, and many other Asian fare.
Museum
The Westfield Aviation Museum located at Hangar 3 just southeast of the main terminal building houses many flying vintage aircraft including WWII training aircraft such as the Fairchild PT-23, Boeing-Stearman Model 75, de Havilland Tiger Moth, and a Cessna UC-78 Bobcat project. The museum has monthly events during the warmer months where visitors can experience an active general aviation airport offering a unique living history experience.
