In 1968, a group of Nashvillians from a cross-section of the community discussed plans for an innovative airport management structure that would bring their city and region into the modern era of aviation. Their goal was to provide a framework in which air carriers could interact with the community in a business-like manner. Authority planners did not want city taxpayers to bear all the costs of improved aviation. They wanted to establish a system of governance that would be self-financing and that would assure all future Nashvillians of a safe, efficient and modern airport. Ideas were offered by a diverse group of people in the community and were solicited from around the country. In 1969, this group, led by the late John C. Tune, drafted enabling legislation to establish an airport authority as a non-profit corporation separate from Metro Government. They worked diligently with state and local governments for this legislation's passage. The Tennessee General Assembly enacted the bill in 1969, and the Metropolitan Council passed resolution 70-872 creating the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority in April of 1970.

   The Airport Authority was a prototype organization in the aviation industry and continues to serve as a national model for other communities. It was an innovation in airport management that clearly focused on the complex business of running an airport system and serving the long-range economic needs of the entire community. It operates separately from local government without benefit of local tax dollars. The Authority's primary functions are to plan, construct, operate and manage a system of airports formerly owned by the city and to assure the promotion and development of commerce and industry through air transportation.

  Framers of the Authority planned carefully for long-term, responsive and capable leadership. The Authority is run by a ten-member Board of Commissioners, nine of whom are appointed by the mayor and subject to confirmation by the Council. The mayor serves as the tenth board member. In accordance with the enabling legislation, commissioners must each represent one of the following professional and managerial disciplines: engineering, aviation, law, commerce, finance and industry. The board employs the president of the Authority, who is the chief executive and administrative officer responsible for day-to-day operations and planning. The president heads a full-time staff of professional and technical personnel.

   As Nashville's air transportation needs expanded, the new Authority proved to be responsive to change and immediately provided community leadership in meeting the demands of modern aviation. By 1977, the airport site had increased to 3,300 acres and contained three runways. The total number of passengers served grew to 1.9 million people. By 1980, that number increased to 2.3 million people. Nine major airlines and four commuter carriers were then serving the Nashville market. This increase in air traffic was possible because the Authority had the foresight to plan for and successfully deliver a $30 million terminal renovation and expansion in 1977.

True to its mission, however, the Authority began planning early to meet the continuing aviation challenges and opportunities of the 1980s and 1990s. The Authority had already developed a carefully considered Master Plan for growth and development in 1973. In 1980, the Master Plan was updated in response to the rapid expansion of the domestic aviation industry and the community's needs. As a result, in 1980, the Authority began environmental assessment for a new terminal. Site preparation began in 1982. In 1984, the new terminal design was unveiled and the Authority issued $128.5 million in airport revenue bonds to finance it. Airport construction advanced ahead of schedule in response to expanding air service by most of the nation's leading carriers and American Airline's selection of Nashville as a hub in 1985. The present airport terminal opened in October 1987, ten months ahead of schedule and under budget.

   The successful design and timely completion of Nashville's modern terminal is a dramatic example of the effective leadership exhibited by the Authority over its 27 years of management. During this time, the Authority has accomplished remarkable improvements in all facets of air service and airport facilities. It has increased airport revenue, expanded aviation services and developed uniquely effective partnerships with both the community and the airlines that serve it. The Authority has also provided over $80 million in federal noise mitigation funds for homes near the airport.

   Today, Nashville is served by every major air carrier in the United States and is a vibrant part of the nation's system of air service. To plan for continued success, in 1993 the Authority, with input from all airport constituencies, completed a comprehensive 30-Year Community Aviation Plan, which was updated in 2005. This plan will help ensure that Nashville and the Middle Tennessee region continue to enjoy safe, modern and convenient air service for the twenty-first century.