Fort Wayne Airports Experience Record Growth
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority says the city's airports saw record growth in 2014 in different areas. Officials say passenger traffic at Fort Wayne International Airport increased by more than 8 percent and Smith Field Airport reported a record year for general aviation fuel sales.
January 19, 2015
News Release
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Passenger traffic at Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) increased 8.5 percent in 2014, marking the fifth consecutive year of growth for the airport. On the northern side of the city, Smith Field Airport (SMD) also had a record year for general aviation fuel sales.
At FWA, passenger enplanements, or the number of people boarding flights, increased 8.5 percent last year for a total of 324,151, compared to 298,661 in 2013. The airport also recorded one of its best Decembers in history, having enplaned 29,653 passengers in that month alone, which is a 21 percent hike over December 2013. The previous December record was set in 2000 at 26,939 passengers.
Total traffic for the airport, which includes enplanements and deplanements, totaled 643,887 in 2014 compared to 592,943 in 2013, an increase of 8.6 percent.
The airport’s capacity, or number of available outbound seats, increased 12% in 2014 thanks to the addition of new nonstop flights to Philadelphia and Charlotte via American Airlines/US Airways. Seats were also added to the existing markets of Chicago O-Hare International Airport (ORD) via United Airlines and Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) via Delta Air Lines.
“We have a lot of people to thank for the addition of new air service at FWA and the resulting increase in the airport’s traffic,” said Scott Hinderman, executive director of airports for the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority. “The Airport Authority worked with several community partners to bring in new service, including the City of Fort Wayne, Allen County, Greater Fort Wayne Inc., and the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership. Without their help, and the support of the region’s travelers, FWA wouldn’t be growing the way that it is.”
With the addition of two new cities in 2014, FWA now offers daily, nonstop service to seven major hubs: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, Minneapolis, and Philadelphia. Allegiant also offers twice-weekly, nonstop service to Orlando/Sanford, Fort Myers/Punta Gorda, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Phoenix/Mesa, and Myrtle Beach (seasonal).
“Improving transportation access is key to attracting new business investment, which is why FWA’s new flights are a critical priority in the region’s Vision 2020 initiative,” said John Sampson, president and CEO of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership. “FWA’s continued growth proves that Northeast Indiana is a contender in the global market; by standing together, we are making great strides in creating a successful future for our region.”
Complimentary to new air service, FWA also underwent several modifications to better meet traveler’s needs. Projects completed last year include a new rental car parking lot, an airline ticket counter remodel, and a new west access road for airfield users.
Smith Field Airport also experienced record growth last year, where general aviation fuel sales totaled 58,030 gallons, topping 2013’s previous record of 57,586 gallons. The airport had a number of significant improvements in 2014, including the expansion of the taxiway and ramp areas and the main parking lot.
For more information about Fort Wayne International Airport or Smith Field Airport, visit the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority’s website at www.fwairport.com.
About Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority
The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority (FWACAA) was created in 1985 and is responsible for managing the Fort Wayne International Airport and Smith Field Airport. Since FWACAA’s inception, Fort Wayne International Airport has undergone an aggressive improvement plan which included expansion of the terminal and parking areas, upgrades to the runways, and the creation of an Air Trade Center and Foreign Trade Zone to promote economic development in Northeast Indiana. As a result of FWACAA’s commitment to customer service, Fort Wayne International Airport was recognized by USA Today as one of the friendliest airports in the nation. The Authority is governed by a six–member board appointed by both the Mayor of Fort Wayne and the Allen County Commissioners.
Source: Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority