Rockford Airport passenger traffic increased in December

From press release

Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) saw a 10-percent increase in passenger traffic in December, its first year-over-year increase in 11 months. Airport officials project that the first six months of 2011 could also see increases, thanks to significantly expanded service to Cancun, Mexico, and new service to West Palm Beach.

In December, 17,114 passengers flew in and out of the airport. That was 10.3 percent more than December 2009’s total of 15,520. Flights in December 2010 were on average 85 percent full. The year-over-year increase in December was due to Allegiant Air expanding service to Orlando and Phoenix, Direct Air’s new service to West Palm Beach and an increase in charter traffic.

“We’re thankful that our airline partners added flights out of RFD in December, and we showed once again that if we’re given more service, we will attract more passengers,” said airport Executive Director Bob O’Brien.

The December totals also reflect the first flight to Cancun for the season, which was sold out. Going forward, the increased Cancun service will be a key reason for passenger growth at RFD. Apple Vacations is offering approximately twice as many seats to Cancun as it did last year. Flights from Rockford to Cancun are on Sundays, Wednesdays and Saturdays through April 9, then on Saturdays only through June 25.

“Early sales to Cancun have been strong. We recently had the best week ever of ticket sales for our Cancun service, and we’re glad Apple Vacations believes in RFD enough to continue expanding here,” O’Brien said. “Already, people are asking us about the schedule for next year, as well as what other international destinations we can offer. The best way to get more international service is for us to fill the flights we have–tell your friends, family and colleagues in Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa about our flights to Cancun, our free parking and our short lines at security and U.S. Customs.”

For 2010 as a whole, passenger service at RFD was down 12.3 percent. In 2010, 164,872 passengers used RFD, compared with 187,987 in 2009. Flights in 2010 were 91 percent full, up from 89 percent full in 2009.

RFD has non-stop service to seven world-class destinations: Las Vegas, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Phoenix, the Fort Myers area, West Palm Beach and Cancun.

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