Richmond (RIC) Sets New All-Time Monthly Passenger Record

Passenger Traffic
For October 2017, Richmond International Airport reports a 6.1 percent increase in total passengers versus the same period a year ago. In terms of market share, Delta edged out American (33.5 percent vs. 33.3 percent) in October. Four airlines, American (+19.3%), JetBlue (+7.7%), Delta (+1.4%), and Southwest (+0.2%), reported passenger growth versus October 2016.

For the calendar year to date, total passenger traffic has increased 2.6 percent to 3,048,584.

Cargo and Operations
Total cargo, measured as the sum of freight and mail, increased 0.2 percent to 11.41 million pounds from last October and is up 2.4 percent for the calendar year. In October, aircraft operations increased 8.0 percent from last year, with air carrier operations – up 11.9 percent – leading the way.

The monthly aviation activity report may be viewed here.

Air Service Notes:

• On November 14th, ultra-low cost carrier Spirit Airlines announced plans to launch daily service from Richmond to Orlando (MCO) and to Ft. Lauderdale (FLL) beginning March 15, 2018, utilizing 145-seat Airbus A319 aircraft.
• Allegiant has increased its Spring Break flight frequency for Richmond-St. Pete/ Clearwater (Tampa Bay) to three weekly roundtrips, starting in late February.

Financials
October operating revenues totaled $4.1 million, greater than budget by $239 thousand or seven percent. Year-to-date operating revenues total $16.0 million, greater than budget by three percent.

October operating expenses totaled $2.0 million, less than budget by $67 thousand or four percent. For the fiscal year-to-date, operating expenses are under budget by six percent.

At the meeting, the Commission approved capital budget adjustments recommended by its Finance Committee, with the largest single item being an increase of $34.3 million for the upcoming construction of the Concourse A Extension which will add six (net) new gates at the airport. Funding for items including jet bridges for the Concourse A Extension, improvements related to rental car operations, and the construction of a cargo apron on the airport’s east side were also part of the approved budget adjustment.

Additionally, the Commission distributed its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).

Recognition
Commission president and CEO Jon E. Mathiasen, A.A.E., recognized Ralph L. “Bill” Axselle, Jr., of Williams Mullen for his many contributions to the airport.

“In my 18 years in Richmond, Bill Axselle has been a respected advocate for Richmond International Airport with the General Assembly and local jurisdictions,” said Mathiasen. “With every project we took on, ranging from interstate highway signage to re-zoning of the east side development area, language protecting airport interests in pending legislation to community support for airport infrastructure and air service improvements, we benefited. He has been a true asset to the Commission for many years.”

Williams Mullen colleague Katie Payne will assume the lead role for representing RIC interests at the General Assembly, working with Commission leadership and its general counsel at Christian & Barton, LLP.

About Richmond International Airport (RIC)
Richmond International Airport (RIC) is one of the most modern and well-equipped airports in the eastern United States. Scheduled service from RIC offers nonstop flights to major domestic destinations and connecting options to points around the globe. Annually, more than 3.6 million passengers travel through RIC. For more information, please visit flyrichmond.com.

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Contact:
Troy M. Bell, C.M.
Director – Marketing & Air Service Development/PIO
tbell@flyrichmond.com
804-226-3022