The Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (SARAA) reported today that January 2013 passenger traffic at Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) was down slightly, 2.5 percent, when compared to January 2012. During January 2013, 94,306 total passengers used the facility, and the overall load factor for the month was 78.2 percent. This load factor is a new monthly record at MDT. Both Federal Express and UPS experienced a significant increase in cargo tonnage in January, an average of 12.9 percent over the same time-period in 2012.
“Nationwide, January and February are two of the slowest months of air travel for the year,” said SARAA Board member Fred Sembach. “As a result, airlines have reduced the amount of flying during these months over the past few years. This is especially the case as the price of fuel remains high. However, January’s new departing load factor record demonstrates this region’s continued support of the airlines serving HIA.”
Other Airport News:
Nonstops to Denver Resume
On February 4th, Frontier Airlines announced the resumption of nonstop service to Denver International Airport (DEN) from MDT, set to begin on April 22nd. This is two-weeks earlier than originally planned. The seasonal, nonstop service will start off with three flights a week and grow into four flights a week, starting on the week of May 13th.
“Denver was this region’s fourth most popular destination during the summer of 2012 and MDT fully anticipates similar regional support of the service this year,” said Sembach.
Frontier continues to offer its year round service to Orlando International Airport (MCO) from MDT. For dates, times and reservations for the MCO and DEN flights, visit www.flyfrontier.com.
New FBO at Capital City Airport
The Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority authorized a new Fixed Base Operator (FBO) at the Capital City Airport. The new operator will be branded and managed by Volo Aviation. The transfer will occur in early March.
“The FBO is the lifeblood of a general aviation airport,” said Marshall Stevens, Deputy Executive Director for SARAA. “They are the first impression of the region for many pilots. We are excited that a FBO with Volo’s standards has decided to expand into…” Central Pennsylvania.
Brian Ciambra, Managing Director of FBOs for Volo Aviation, also expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity. “Aviation has a long history in Central Pennsylvania and Capital City Airport, and we are looking forward to being a part of it. We were searching for a suitable new location, and this looks like a great fit.” Volo also operates FBOs in Bridgeport, CT and Sebring, FL.
The next SARAA Board meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 27th, 2013 at 8:00 am, in the David C. McIntosh Boardroom located on the third floor of the MDT terminal.