Last year was the fourth busiest year in the history of Springfield-Branson National Airport and 2015 promises more of the same. Against this backdrop, the director of the airport, Brian Weiler, presents the State of the Airport Address at 3:30 p.m. March 19, at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Ever since the recession started we’ve had mostly gloomy news to report,” Weiler said. “The economy was tough on the airline and airport industries, so it’s nice to have good news to report to the community.”
The airport’s total passenger count for 2014 was 846,324. That’s a 12% increase when compared to the year before. It’s also the best yearly percentage increase of commercial service airports in the region:
- Kansas City International: + 3%
- Northwest Arkansas: + 10%
- St. Louis Lambert: - 1.5%
- Tulsa: + 4%
Besides the improving airline economy, Weiler will also report on the recently completed expansion of the airport’s general aviation facilities, and the general state of the airline and airport industries.
Four airlines serve Springfield: Allegiant, American, Delta and United. They provide service to ten non-stop destinations: Los Angeles, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Orlando and Ft. Myers.
