History
Business Aircraft Corporation Terminal
Aviation Legacy
A Gateway to Business Aviation
Constructed in 1965, the Business Aircraft Corporation (BAC) Terminal was commissioned by entrepreneur Charles Steen as part of his vision to expand private aviation services at San Antonio International Airport (SAT). Steen created the Business Aircraft Corporation to consolidate aviation operations and establish a full-service facility that would serve private pilots, passengers, and visitors.
The terminal represents an important period in the growth of business aviation and the early development of SAT. Over the decades, the building served multiple aviation-related functions, including housing Gen-Aero Aviation, Piedmont-Hawthorne Aviation, and Landmark Aviation before ultimately becoming the Airport’s Badge & ID Office.
For more than sixty years, the BAC Terminal remained a recognizable landmark at the airport, reflecting the evolution of aviation services and the continued growth of San Antonio International Airport.
The Building
A Mid-Century Modern Landmark
Designed by noted architect Charles W. W. Mayhew and constructed by Forgy Construction Company, the 2,772-square-foot BAC Terminal was completed in 1965. The building showcased architectural influences from both the New Formalism and Googie styles, making it one of the most distinctive structures at the airport.
Its most recognizable feature was a dramatic wave-like cantilevered concrete roof supported by symmetrically positioned Y-shaped concrete columns. Additional design elements included book-matched travertine panels and a glass curtain wall facing the airfield, creating a unique visual connection between the building and airport operations.
The terminal reflected the optimism and innovation of the Jet Age while serving as a functional and welcoming facility for aviation users. Despite minor modifications over time, the building retained much of its original architectural character.
Preserving the Legacy
Documentation and Demolition
As part of the San Antonio International Airport Terminal Development Program, the site occupied by the BAC Terminal was identified as necessary for future airport improvements, including the development of the new terminal and Ground Transportation Center. While the building remained in good condition, its location was critical to the airport’s long-term expansion plans.
Prior to demolition, extensive documentation efforts were completed to preserve the history and architectural significance of the structure. These efforts included historic research, architectural documentation, photography, and interpretation materials to ensure the story of the BAC Terminal remains part of the airport’s history. The demolition marked the end of the building’s physical presence but also the beginning of a new chapter in the continued growth of San Antonio International Airport.
Today, the BAC Terminal remains an important part of SAT’s history, representing both the airport’s aviation heritage and its ongoing commitment to modernization and future development.
Badge and ID Building Demolition Time Lapse
(Building 1322)
