Loss of American Airlines starting to take toll on TCRA
Aug. 09--BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. -- The loss of American Airlines is starting to take a toll on Tri-Cities Regional Airport.
The airport has seen overall passenger numbers dip 0.4 percent for the year. Tri-Cities Regional Airport Director of Marketing Melissa Thomas said the numbers were running strong earlier in the year and were up 1.8 percent for the first quarter. But the airport saw a significant decline in June.
"I think what we are seeing is the effect of the reduced seating capacity," Thomas said.
American Airlines filed for bankruptcy last year and reduced services to some smaller airports as part of a restructuring plan. Tri-Cities lost its service in January.
"Honestly, I thought we would have seen an impact sooner," Thomas said.
Price is also having an impact, she said. Because of the reduced number of seats flying through the Tri-Cities, airlines can charge more for a seat. If the price is too high, customers then look to other airports like Charlotte and Knoxville for a cheaper ticket.
The airport will increase capacity in September, however. Delta Airlines is increasing the plane size for two flights a day at the airport. The planes go from a 50-seat regional jet to a 127-seat DC-9.
Thomas said the airport is looking at other carriers, and she is hopeful that a major airline will begin providing service to the region soon. Besides Delta, US Airways and Allegiant Airlines currently provide commercial service at the airport.
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