CONTACTS:
Dan Mann, Airport Director, 362-3131 or
Pam Hinman, Director of Marketing & Communications, 286-5719
Airport Posts
Record-Breaking Year
More Passengers Choose TEIA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 16, 2008 - More passengers chose The Eastern Iowa Airport in 2007 – making this the third consecutive year the airport broke its total passenger count – and the fourth time in its history to top 1 million passengers.
The total number of passengers who used The Eastern Iowa Airport in 2007 was 1,061,052. This is a 3.6 percent increase over the previous record set in 2006 (1,023,872 total passengers).
Airport Director Dan Mann said this record is especially important because it shows Corridor residents have made The Eastern Iowa Airport their first choice for travel. With non-stop service to 11 destinations and more than 45 daily departures, the Airport is also drawing travelers from outside the primary area, including those from western Illinois, and northern Iowa.
“Our air service additions and improvements over the last few years have made it much easier for our customers to complete their travel,” Mann said. ”The passenger records truly show the value of, ‘more cities, more flights and more options.’ “
Nationwide, legacy airline carriers have been reducing capacity because of high fuel costs. This will mean less available seats in various markets. While The Eastern Iowa Airport is expected to see some schedule fluctuations, at this time there have been no indications of any permanent changes, Mann said.
“Airlines will have to
continue to make tough decisions if fuel prices remain high,” Mann said.
“Communities with strong markets and a loyal customer base will have a much
better chance of retaining air service and will be able to make a good case
for expanded or new service.”
TOTAL PASSENGER CALENDAR YEAR RECORD
2007: 1,061,052
2006: 1,023,872
2005: 1,004,265