RFD traffic rises; first Branson flight full

By Thomas V. Bona

BusinessRockford.com

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ROCKFORD — Passenger traffic is up for the fifth straight month at Chicago Rockford International Airport, as officials look forward to a busier winter travel season.

In October, 10,338 passengers flew in and out of the airport, an 11 percent increase from the previous October. For the year, traffic is still down more than 6 percent, reflecting decreased offerings from airlines here.

But the airplanes that fly here remain nearly full — last month, they were on average 93 percent packed.

“Our numbers are very strong considering a 10 percent decrease in available seats,” said Zach Sundquist, air service analyst for the airport. “If we have a product, we fill it.”

Airport officials got more good news today on upcoming service, when the first flight to Branson, Mo., on Saturday sold out. There are 17 round-trip flights scheduled through Dec. 14 to the new, privately owned airport at the tourist destination.

Airport Executive Director Bob O’Brien said sales are doing “OK” considering flights start this week. He said it’s been a short time, though, since tickets went on sale, and recent sales have been strong.

“I wonder how many people are jumping at the chance to book their flights or are waiting to see what the weather is,” O’Brien said.

If Branson flights do well, the airport could get more service there next spring. The success of the Branson flights also could determine whether the airport gets other destinations.

Branson flights are offered by Fly Branson Travel LLC and operated by ExpressJet Airlines.

Airport traffic should continue to rise in November and December, with the Branson trips, the return of Direct Air’s service to Punta Gorda, Fla., and additional flights to Allegiant Air’s destinations. Last November saw only 10,356 passengers here.

“We are pleased and cautiously optimistic,” O’Brien said. “Given the challenging times of this past year, airlines have slashed fares, in many cases below their actual operating costs, making flying extremely cheap for those who feel secure about their income.”

But even with the recovery in recent months, airport traffic still is well behind 2007’s record pace.

Contact staff writer Thomas V. Bona at 815-987-1343 or tbona@rrstar.com.

MORE ROCKFORD AIRPORT NEWS
Graphic: Air passenger traffic up in October
Oct. 20: Direct Air stays positive about RFD
Oct. 11: UPS wants to be region's recruiting tool
Oct. 9: RFD doubles monthly passenger totals
Oct. 8: Feds defend RFD stimulus grant
Sept. 30: RFD seeks grant to lure more service
Sept. 22: UPS to deliver same amount of holiday work
Sept. 21: Rockford airport gambles on Branson flights
Sept. 15: Rockford airport starts Sept. strong
Sept. 9: RFD passenger volume continues to climb
Aug. 14: RFD hits million-passenger milestone
Aug. 6: More Allegiant flights boost RFD numbers

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