On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 10:30 AM, the sky above Cleveland Hopkins International Airport will come alive with the roar of the historic Douglas C-47 Skytrain, known as "Hairless Joe!", in honor of the centennial of one of America's oldest municipal airports. This flight, accompanied by a week of celebrations with music, discounts, and performances by local mascots, is not just a nostalgic nod to the past but also a powerful reminder of the airport's role as the economic and cultural heart of Northeast Ohio. In a city striving for revival through projects like the new Cleveland Browns stadium, this event unites the community in pride for its heritage and hope for the future.
Originally opened on July 1, 1925, as Cleveland Municipal Airport, established by Mayor William R. Hopkins, this hub was a pioneer in aviation, becoming one of the first municipal airports in the United States. Renamed in 1951 in honor of Hopkins, the airport has grown from a modest hangar to a powerful facility that served 10.2 million passengers in 2024, according to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Today, as the airport celebrates its 100th anniversary, it remains a symbol of Cleveland's resilience, having survived economic booms and busts, from the Great Depression to the decline of the Rust Belt and modern revitalization.
Legend in the sky: "Hairless Joe!"
The highlight of the celebration will be the flyby and landing of C-47 "Hairless Joe!" — a aircraft that transported troops and cargo across the jungles of Burma and China during World War II as part of the 1st Air Commando Group. Named after Lieutenant Colonel Dick Cole, the co-pilot of the historic Doolittle Raid on Tokyo in 1942, this plane is a living testament to bravery and innovation. "It’s more than a machine," said David O'Malley, president of the Liberty Aviation Museum in Port Clinton, which is providing the plane for the event. "It’s a symbol of the human spirit that connects generations." Spectators will be able to view "Hairless Joe!" near the B-1 terminal or from the west-side windows of the airport, and after landing, visitors will have the opportunity to tour the plane and talk with museum volunteers.
The C-47 Skytrain, renowned for its reliability, played a key role in operations such as D-Day landings, carrying paratroopers and supplies. In 2024, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, fewer than 200 active C-47s remain worldwide, making the appearance of "Hairless Joe!" a rare event. The flyby also pays homage to Ohio's aviation heritage, with cities like Dayton and Youngstown being centers of aviation innovation, from the Wright brothers' planes to modern military bases like Youngstown Air Reserve Station.
Community celebration
The 100th-anniversary festivities go beyond the sky. Throughout the week, the airport will transform into a lively hub with performances by local musicians in the food court, featuring jazz ensembles and acoustic bands from Cleveland, reflecting the city’s rich musical heritage. On Tuesday at 12:30 PM, Cleveland Guardians mascot Slider will entertain families, and on Wednesday at the same time, Browns mascot Chomps will bring football spirit. Dining discounts of up to 25% will be available at establishments like Barrio Tacos and Potbelly Sandwich Shop, and stores such as Hudson News will offer special deals on centennial logo souvenirs. Raffles, including a chance to win two tickets on Southwest Airlines to Chicago, will add excitement.
"This is a celebration for everyone who made our airport the heart of the region," said Airport Director Khalid Bahur, who led the $2 billion terminal modernization completed in 2023. According to him, the event aims to honor the past while highlighting the airport’s role in the economic revival, including supporting the Browns project in Brook Park. In 2024, the airport generated an economic impact of $7.2 billion, according to the Ohio Aviation Association, and supports 26,000 jobs in the region.
Context and challenges
The celebration occurs against the backdrop of recent trials for Ohio’s aviation industry. Just two days ago, on June 29, a tragic crash of a Cessna 441 in Houlton claimed six lives, reminding us of aviation risks. Additionally, FBI warnings on June 27 about Scattered Spider cyberattacks targeting aviation companies underscored the sector’s vulnerability. Cleveland Hopkins, which recently strengthened cybersecurity after a phishing attempt in May 2025, is working with the FAA to protect its systems. "We’re celebrating, but we’re vigilant," Bahur noted, referring to investments in security.
These challenges only underscore the resilience of the airport. From its first commercial flight in 1929 to the world's first air traffic control tower in 1930, Cleveland Hopkins paved the way for modern aviation. During World War II, the airport served as a training base for pilots, and in 1968, it was the first to connect the US with Canada via regular flights. Today, serving 11 airlines, including United and Delta, it remains a vital economic hub in the region.
Looking to the future
For local residents such as Ann Martino, a ticket agent at the airport for 22 years, the celebration is a moment of pride. "I’ve watched this airport grow," she said, standing near the food court. "This is where Cleveland meets the world." For children taking photos with Slider or looking at "Hairless Joe!", the event will be a living history lesson. And for the community still recovering from economic upheavals, it’s a chance to unite in hope for a bright future.
While "Hairless Joe!" roars over Cleveland, reminding us of past bravery, Hopkins Airport looks ahead to the next century of innovation and unity. In a city that knows how to rise after falls, this celebration is not just a look into the past but a promise of a future where the sky remains limitless.
