History was made this week as Donna Girardot was elected the first female chair of the New Hanover County Airport Authority Board. Girardot was first appointed by the New Hanover County Commissioners to the airport authority board September 2014.
She was elected secretary by the authority board July 2017-June 2018. Girardot was then re-appointed by the county commissioners for a second term June 2018-June 2022. The airport authority once again elected Girardot as an Officer, this time as Chair. Mrs. Girardot will serve as Chair of the New Hanover County airport authority Board July 2018-June 2019. She is the first female Chair of the airport authority since it was established in 1989. Girardot assumes the role during a time when the Wilmington International Airport is exhibiting tremendous growth. ILM had back to back record years for the number of passengers that flew through the airport, with 836,589 passengers utilizing the airport in 2017. In April of this year, United began air service at ILM; joining American Airlines and Delta. The number of nonstop flights has grown with additional and expanded service provided by United and American Airlines. Through the three network airlines, travelers can now fly nonstop to eight destinations, seven hubs, and six international gateways. The numbers of travelers utilizing ILM continues to show year over year growth, with ILM on track for yet another record year. To accommodate this- and future- growth, ILM is embarking upon a terminal expansion.
“I feel privileged to have the opportunity to play a part in such a vibrant and growing airport that continues to endeavor to meet the expectations of our regional community. With the addition of our new carrier, United Airlines and our additional flights to Dallas-Ft. Worth, Chicago, Washington’s Dulles and Reagan airports and the terminal expansion that is underway -- it's a great time to Fly ILM!” stated Girardot.
