Sarasota Bradenton International Airport Reports Mid Year Traffic

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) reported that in June, 95,439 passengers traveled through the Airport, an increase of +9.6 percent compared to June 2011.

Year-to-date, passenger traffic is up +1.9 percent for the same period last year.

According to a release, when compared to Tampa International Airport (TPA) and Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) for the same period SRQ is trending in a more positive direction. TPA's website shows passenger traffic in June being down -0.49 percent and Year-to-date traffic up +0.4 percent. RSW's website shows passenger traffic being down -4.0 percent for the month of June and down -6.0 percent year-to-date.

Fredrick J. Piccolo, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport President, Chief Executive Officer said, "We have been keeping a close eye on passenger trends and are pleased with the growth in passenger traffic resulting from strong demand and the wonderful support for the market provided by our existing carriers. JetBlue added LaGuardia flights in June and Delta Air Lines adjusted summer capacity to SRQ. The carriers that operate in our market increased SRQ traffic numbers for the first six months, providing jobs and economic benefit to our community. Residents and businesses should keep this in mind when making future travel plans."

To support the community's needs, the group noted, Delta Air Lines is also making schedule adjustments for the first half of 2013 that will provide improved flight options for fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Baltimore Orioles. Passengers will have the option of taking direct, same-plane service without having to change planes. The daily flights will operate in both directions with short 40-minute stops in Atlanta. The improved service will be available for purchase beginning August 4.

Piccolo noted, "This is another demonstration by Delta Air Lines of how responsive they have been to the Sarasota Bradenton market. Baltimore and Pittsburgh fans looking for an easy way to fly in to see their team will be able to travel without changing planes. Through choosing the direct SRQ service, fans will save the cost and time of commuting from other airports."

Since the Southwest Airlines announcement of the elimination of AirTran Airways service at SRQ, Delta Air Lines has responded with more daily seats, new double daily flights to LaGuardia starting in December and has made schedule adjustments to support the very important Spring Training activities in both Bradenton and Sarasota. Piccolo went on to say, "This is an economic win-win for our region and Delta Air Lines."

Sarasota Bradenton International serves more than 1.3 million passengers a year, with over 100,000 aircraft operations.

Complete details:

http://www.srq-airport.com

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