Augusta Regional over 200,000 passengers in 2009 (Atlanta, Savannah: construction, airport, activity)

[nortonguy]

The airport's October activity report shows a 12 percent year-to-date increase over 2008 in passengers leaving Augusta. That would be the most enplanements at the airport since 2000 and 70,000 more than 2006, according to data released Thursday.

"Where a lot of airports are losing seats and losing service, we have been gaining because the airlines see passengers using us," said Diane Johnston, the airport's marketing director. Delta connection carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines now has 10 flights daily from Atlanta.

"We have been fortunate to see increased demand in Augusta year over year. And we have increased capacity accordingly," said Kent Landers, a Delta spokesman in Atlanta. US Airways Express flies to Augusta six times a day from Charlotte.

The airport released its October activity report Thursday, reporting a 12 percent increase in passengers year-to-date leaving Augusta compared with 2008.
Passengers from Augusta could surpass 200,000

[harrat]

We severly need one or two new airlines. The airport would do even better than present.

[nortonguy]

While Augusta continues to add passengers every month and year. Augusta's nearby competitors. Greenville, Columbia, Chattanooga, & Savannah. Airports are down 70,000 to 200,000 passengers in 2009 from 2008.

Because of the economic climate. It may be hard for Augusta to get a third airline in 2009/2010.

But Delta's Atlanta spokesmen does has some good news for Augustan's.

The more feasible scenario might be to persuade US Airways or Delta to open up one of its other hubs to Augusta -- bringing another city into play for the convenience of passengers, she said.

Major destinations for fliers from Augusta are New York City and Washington, D.C., both of which are serviced by Delta and US Airways.

"We do look at every opportunity to expand," Mr. Landers said. "But no hub can offer Augusta customers the breadth and wealth of service that's Atlanta ... in giving them access to the world."

[nortonguy]

THE MOST VISIBLE GROWTH that will be seen at the airport in the coming year is an expansion of the parking lots.

The increasing departures are resulting in the lot, and its two overflow lots, being full.

"It is a good problem to have, but a challenge for passengers," Ms. Strange said.

The lot has 400 spots in long-term parking and 230 in short-term. The overflow lots have 150 spaces.

Ms. Johnston said the new parking area will provide an extra 440 spaces, but will eliminate the overflow lots.

Augusta Regional sees increase in passengers

[All4Augusta]

Cool!!!! Is all the construction (on the building itself) done over there?

[lolo2]

Excellent news about the parking lots! Hopefully Augusta regional can keep the trend going.

[fammaf]

I use the airport twice a month. Usually not anymore than 5 to 6 spaces are available for parking. The extra parking is a wonderful addition.

[nortonguy]

Yes construction is still going on. The terminal doesn't have any.

[heckkle]

Businessmen throughout Augusta and Fort Gordon play a big role. In the number of new passengers using the airport.