FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Piedmont Aviation Historical Society Returns Home to Smith Reynolds Airport

Winston-Salem, NC - June 1, 2026 - The Piedmont Aviation Historical Society (PAHS) is pleased to announce the relocation of its offices to Smith Reynolds Airport effective June 1, 2026.

For an organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of Piedmont Aviation and its founder, Thomas H. Davis, the move represents a meaningful return to the birthplace of one of America's most respected airlines. Smith Reynolds Airport played a pivotal role in the history of Piedmont Aviation, serving as the company's operational home during its formative years and throughout much of its remarkable growth. Founded by Thomas H. Davis in Winston-Salem, Piedmont Aviation evolved from a local aviation business into Piedmont Airlines, which became one of the nation's premier carriers and was named Air Transport World's "Airline of the Year" in 1984.

Established in 1996 by Thomas H. Davis, the Piedmont Aviation Historical Society was created to preserve the history, memorabilia, and enduring spirit of Piedmont Aviation while fostering connections among former employees, friends, and aviation enthusiasts. Through its extensive archives and the JetPiedmont.com website, PAHS continues to celebrate the people, aircraft, and culture that made Piedmont Airlines unique.

"Returning to Smith Reynolds Airport brings the Society back to the very place where so much of the Piedmont story began," said Chris Runge. "The airport is woven into the history of Piedmont Aviation, and we are excited to continue our mission from a location that holds such significance for our organization and the thousands of former employees and supporters who cherish the Piedmont legacy."

About the Piedmont Aviation Historical Society
The Piedmont Aviation Historical Society was established in 1996 by Thomas H. Davis, founder and retired chairman of Piedmont Aviation, Inc. The Society's mission is to preserve Piedmont memorabilia, maintain historical archives, and promote the unity and spirit among the employees who contributed to the success of Piedmont Airlines. Through its website, publications, and historical collections, PAHS serves as a lasting tribute to one of America's most admired airlines.

New JETPIEDMONT items are now available for purchase. Each order is custom printed and shipped directly from the manufacturer.

In 1931, Richard "Dick" Henson established a fixed-base operation known as Henson Aviation in Hagerstown, Maryland. Over the years, the company operated as an Allegheny Commuter airline. On July 29, 1983, Piedmont Airlines received regulatory approval to acquire Henson Aviation, Inc. as a wholly owned subsidiary, marking a historic moment in aviation as it was the first instance of a certified airline fully owning its regional affiliate.

Consequently, the airline was rebranded as "Henson, The Piedmont Regional Airline". Between 1983 and 1989, Henson experienced significant growth, quadrupling its size. Following Piedmont's merger with USAir in 1989, Ed Colodny, the CEO of USAir, rebranded "Henson, The Piedmont Regional Airline" to "Piedmont Airlines," operating under the USAir Express brand to safeguard their $1.59 billion investment in the legacy Piedmont Airlines.

Currently, the "new" Piedmont Airlines operates as one of six American Eagle regional airlines flying to over 50 destinations in the eastern and midwestern United States, along with Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City in Canada.

"I've long believed that Overture is the rightful successor to Concorde. After experiencing Overture's flight deck, which is incredibly well designed and delightful to fly, my excitement and enthusiasm for this aircraft has only intensified." = Mike Banister

"As the state that was first in flight, North Carolina is excited to see Boom's progress toward delivering the world's first sustainable supersonic airliner. Our state has the skilled workforce, infrastructure and perfect location to help Boom revolutionize air travel."

Governor Roy Cooper
NORTH CAROLINA

Throughout its history, Winston-Salem's Piedmont Airlines stayed one step ahead of the competition by coming up with innovative ways to satisfy its customers, like a one-of-a-kind beverage that former passengers and employees still thirst for.

Boom Supersonic, the company building the world's fastest and most sustainable supersonic airliner, today announced it has selected the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina as the site of its first full-scale manufacturing facility.

The Overture Superfactory will be a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, including the final assembly line, test facility, and customer delivery center for the Overture supersonic airliner. Carrying 65 to 88 passengers, Overture is capable of flying on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at twice the speed of today's fastest passenger jets.

A big thanks to the NC Transportation Museum for hosting Tuesday's celebration.

They also put together this video of the event. What a wonderful Piedmont gathering it was! Enjoy!

The Piedmont Aviation Historical Society is proud to announce the creation of The Tom Davis Memorial Flight Training Scholarship at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in honor of Davis by the Tom Davis Fund.

The scholarship supports a flight student at $25,000 annually, in an effort to provide a significant financial gift toward a student pilot's flight training.

First preference shall be given to a descendant of an employee of Piedmont Aviation, Inc. In the event the first preference is not identified, it will then be awarded to a descendant of US Airways.

If those two preferences are not identified, then it will be awarded to a student from North Carolina.