In 1931, Palmerston North Aero Club leased 50 acres of land from the Terry family in Milson and constructed an aerodrome, opened in December. The Milson Aerodrome Society leased another 125 acres, with the right to purchase, in 1934. On this land a runway, terminal building and hangars were built in 1936, with the help of the Palmerston North City Council. Air services began in the same year.