Friday, August 10, 2012VIENNA TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- Passenger activity at Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport reached a 20-year high last month, with Allegiant Air enjoying a record month as well, flying nearly 10,000 passengers to and from destinations in Florida and South Carolina.
The July total passenger count of 10,869 represents a 32% increase over July 2011 and is the highest monthly total since June 1992, when 12,357 passengers few in and out of the regional airport.
“July was truly a remarkable month,” said Dan Dickten, the airport’s director of aviation. “The impressive increase in passenger traffic clearly demonstrates that a steadily growing number of travelers are choosing YNG over other airports in the region because of our convenience, affordability, and the simpler, better airport experience we offer.”
To date, 48,251 passengers have used the regional airport this year, up 6% over 2011, Dickten reported. He attributes the steadily rising passenger count to the fact that people from Akron, Cleveland and Pittsburgh are making the short drive to YNGthe airprt to take advantage of Allegiant Air’s attractive flight schedule and reasonable fares.
The passenger activity for Allegiant, which began serving Youngstown-Warren in May 2006, pleases Eric Fletcher, the carrier’s manager of airports. “The passenger traffic definitely is great news. We appreciate our partnership and support of the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport and we look forward to it continuing into the future,” he said. In all, the carrier sold 93% of the available seats on the MD-83 aircraft it uses to serves the airport.
Allegiant offers nonstop flights to Orlando, Tampa Bay and Myrtle Beach from the airport. In addition, casino tour operators offer frequent charters to Atlantic City, Tunica, and Gulfport/Biloxi.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.