Building on 2011

As 2011 melts into 2012, I find myself reviewing the past and looking forward to the future. Here’s a quick review and preview. 

While enplanements were a mixed bag for airports around the region and country, FWA saw a 2 percent increase in 2011. This may seem like a small increase, but this built on a 4.5 percent increase in 2010.

Because of Delta’s continued restructuring of the Cincinnati hub, FWA lost two flights during 2011. This loss was offset, however, by Delta adding a second flight to Minneapolis/St. Paul during the summer, as well as keeping one of those flights year round. Additionally, Delta added a third Atlanta round-trip flight, and in November, American Airlines added a third non-stop flight to Dallas/Ft. Worth. In another market, Allegiant once again operated its seasonal (and highly successful) leisure flight to and from Myrtle Beach. So as we move into 2012, flight schedules have been more aligned with passenger demand.

The market adjustments made at FWA during 2011 have resulted in overall load factors (which is the percentage of available seats filled) that substantially exceed prior year’s numbers. Over 80 percent of all seats available at FWA were filled during 2011, with some individual airlines such as Allegiant, experiencing results that exceeded 90 percent. Although many fliers prefer to sit next to an empty seat, airlines don’t see this as an indicator of positive passenger demand. This is why in 2012 FWA is to be identified as “in need of additional capacity,” a need that is communicated to all the airlines that would be capable of serving the FWA market. 

During 2011, FWA received a Small Community Air Service Development Grant (SCASD). This grant allowed FWA to install a Shared Use Infrastructure Technology Environment (SUITE) allowing the common use of all gates by all airlines. This system will allow for greater flexibility and cost savings while removing a potential barrier of entry for new airline service. FWA is one of the few airports in the United States with this system, and the only one that has been awarded a federal grant to implement the technology.

Another highlight of 2011was the 3rd Annual Air Service Luncheon in September. Bill Swelbar, the speaker, challenged the audience to be more active in supporting local aviation. The issue of continued regionalism and consolidation can and will have a profound impact on FWA and other airports around the country. As airlines continue to seek profitability, many passengers will find their trip begins on the highway, not the runway. The communities that realize the value of having a local, commercial airport stand the best chance of retaining air service.  

Going forward, maintaining, enhancing and expanding air service at FWA will guide the decisions needed to promote and secure air transportation that meets and exceeds the needs of the region.

You can follow Smith Field Airport and Fort Wayne International Airport on  Twitter and Facebook or on our websites
www.smdairport.com, www.flyfwa.com, www.fwairport.com. 
 

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