By: Mary Perez
meperez@sunherald.com
GULFPORT — South Mississippi is still on the move, with more passengers flying through Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport this year than at this time in 2007, which was a record breaker.
“The month of May we had an increase of about 6 percent over ‘07,” said Jim Pitts, director of marketing and business development. “We’re maintaining a very strong number of seats.”
Total passengers in May were 92,340 up 5.3 percent over May 2007. To date, 21 percent more passengers - a total of 429.651 - have traveled into and out of the Gulfport airport than last year.
Jeremiah Gerald, manager of air service development, said 2007 was a banner year for new service. “We’ve had a huge growth here at the airport,” and he said the additional airlines and flights landed by the airport in 2007 are contributing to even higher numbers this year.
“Every time we lost service we brought in new service to fill the gap, ” he said. Although American Eagle is cutting nonstop service from Gulfport and every airport in the South to Chicago, “the fourth flight to Dallas on American Eagle started today (Wednesday),” said Gerald. “The flights are full.”
Pitts said Gulfport travelers have alternative flights to Chicago by connecting from Gulfport through the major hubs: Northwest to Memphis, AirTran and Delta to Atlanta, American Eagle to Dallas and U.S. Airways via Charlotte.
“A lot of people want to know what the future holds for us now,” said Gerald. “We have some advantages on other airports. Our airplanes are full. We are very close to the hub. It’s profitable.” The Coast is within 300 miles of the major hubs and has a diverse customer base of military, tourist, and business travelers. Stephen Oberlies, director of administration and finance, keeps fees the airport charges the carriers low.
The airport authority, which met Wednesday, continues building on its successes over the last year by construction a parking garage and an international cargo terminal that will bring fresh produce and flowers from Central and South America through Gulfport. Gerald said they hope to begin shipments through the new terminal by August 1st.
“It’s huge for our area. A huge revenue producer for the airport that rolls into the community as well.”
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