Warbird Information Exchange

The Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour in Mukilteo, Wash., celebrated a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 16. The event was hosted by state and local officials with key Boeing executives and Future of Flight representatives also in attendance.

The ceremony was the official opening of the $23.5 million facility, which opened to the public Dec. 17. The event took place in the 73,000 square-foot facility, located just north of the Everett factory.

Speaking at the ceremony was Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon, Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire, Boeing Vice President of Government and Community Relations Bob Watt, Snohomish County Airport Director Dave Waggoner and Future of Flight Executive Director Barry Smith.

During the ceremony, the winners of the Future of Flight art and writing contest were awarded. This included five students from local elementary, middle and high schools. Also performing during the ceremony was the Kamiak High School band, under the direction of Brian Steves.

A 102-room Hilton Garden Inn, which opened in October, was built adjacent to the center.

The Future of Flight Aviation Center is open daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

General admission is $15, $14 for seniors and active Military with ID, and $8 for children ages 6-15. Children younger than 6 years old are admitted free. Children must be at least 4 feet tall to take the factory tour. Visitors may not carry babies on the tour. Advance tickets for guaranteed tour times can be purchased by calling the Future of Flight Reservation Center at 1-800-464-1476 (toll free in the U.S. and Canada) or 360-756-0086 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Time, or via the Web. For more information, visit www.futureofflight.org.

Click one of these links to view a video of the grand opening ceremony.

East Coast

Midwest

West Coast

Photo Caption: Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire addressed the crowd at the new Future of Flight Aviation Center on Dec. 16. Ed Turner photo.

(12/20/2005)