For the fourth consecutive month, Richmond International Airport (RIC) is reporting record passenger traffic, as the total passenger count for January topped the previous record established just one year ago (260,133 in 2018 vs. 256,055 in 2017).
“Richmond International Airport is a cost-effective, efficient facility that is attracting additional service from multiple airlines,” said Capital Region Airport Commission president and CEO Jon E. Mathiasen, AAE. “Airlines show confidence in a market by increasing seats and an ever-increasing number of travelers have been taking advantage of the expanded offerings conveniently available from RIC.”
Passenger Traffic
For January 2018, Richmond International Airport reports a 1.6 percent increase in total passengers versus the same period a year ago. Delta was RIC’s market share leader with 33.1 percent of all passenger traffic. Additionally, three airlines reported year-over-year growth, including United (+12.4%), JetBlue (+6.5%), and American (+3.6%).
For fiscal year 2018 (FY18), passenger traffic is up 2.9 percent.
Cargo
Total cargo, measured as a sum of freight and mail, increased 3.2 percent in January over the same period last year to 10.92 million pounds (4,954 metric tons).
Operations
January aircraft operations increased 10.1 percent versus a year ago as general aviation and air carrier operations both reported double-digit growth. For fiscal year 2018, aircraft operations are up 6.8 percent.
Air Service Notes
RIC has reported passenger traffic growth in 42 of the last 47 months.
Spirit Airlines will launch daily service from Richmond to Orlando (MCO) and to Ft. Lauderdale (FLL) beginning March 15, 2018, utilizing 145-seat Airbus A319 aircraft.
United is adding a second daily Denver departure, starting in June, with flights leaving RIC in the morning and again in the afternoon. RIC-DEN launched in April 2016.
United, per current schedules, is also planning to add a second daily Houston flight in June.
JetBlue Airways will upgauge its twice-daily Orlando flights to mainline Airbus equipment for the summer. The route is currently served by 100-seat Embraer E190s.
Financials
Through January, fiscal year-to-date (the Commission’s fiscal year runs from July through June) operating revenues totaled $27.1 million, greater than budget by $524 thousand (2 percent). Operating expenses for the same period amount to $14.3 million, less than budget by $403 thousand (3 percent).
20-Year Employees
Two employees, Phyllis Waddy, procurement assistant, and Russ Peaden, director of real estate and facilities, were recognized for 20 years of service to the Commission. Waddy and Peaden were part of the same orientation class in 1998.
