QC Airport Renames Road in Honor of First Airport Manager

QC Airport Renames Road in Honor of First Airport Manager

October 24, 2025

The Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) officially renamed its primary ring road known as 69^th Avenue to George Kirk Drive, in honor of its first airport manager, George Nathan Kirk. Kirk was a WWII Naval Aviator Flying Ace, decorated war hero and pioneering aviation leader who left a lasting legacy on the airport and the aviation industry.

Kirk, born in Dixon, Iowa in 1921, was a trailblazer whose influence spanned decades. After serving with distinction in World War II, flying 78 combat missions and earning seven aerial victories, he returned home with two Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Navy Air Medals and a Congressional Gold Medal.

In 1954, Kirk became the first manager of the Moline Airport. Under his nearly three-decade leadership, the airport saw exponential growth, including the construction of a new terminal, addition of a 2-mile runway, development of an industrial park, and expanded infrastructure that helped shape the airport as a regional economic engine.

"George Kirk was more than just our first airport manager; he was a visionary leader whose fingerprints are still on this airport today," said Benjamin Leischner, A.A.E., executive director, Quad Cities International Airport. "I had the honor of speaking with George on his 100th birthday. Even then, he remained deeply engaged, asking thoughtful questions about the airport's direction and progress. It's only fitting that the road circling the airport now carries the name of the man who helped lay its foundation."

Kirk's contributions extended far beyond Moline. He served as the first president of the Great Lakes Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and served as national president of AAAE in 1976. He helped launch its professional accreditation program and became the first AAAE member to achieve formal accreditation. This accreditation is now the gold standard for airport professionals across the U.S.

Kirk retired to Corpus Cristi in 1983 after 29 years at the helm of the airport. He passed away at the age of 101, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership and enduring impact.

The newly named George Kirk Drive honors not just a name, but a standard of excellence, vision and dedication to community and country. Artifacts donated by the Kirk family will also be incorporated into the new terminal design as part of the airport's major transformation, known as Project GATEWAY.

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