CSBJ Daily

Whether the result of capital improvements, a new airline and general aviation growth, or more passengers flying for the year ending February 29, the Colorado Springs Airport is operating solidly in the black.

January and February revenues rose 5 percent to about $3.6 million from $3.4 million the previous year. Highlights of the monthly financial report specifically showed strong growth in airline-generated revenues which include space and equipment rentals, as well as landing fees which jumped by 16 percent.

Terminal concession income from restaurants and gift shops also increased 3 percent year-over-year.

The airport’s general aviation operation was another stellar source of growth, showing 48.1 percent increase in revenues – and up 57.7 percent from January to February. Charter flights, alone, increased 248 percent on a year-over-year basis.

Expenses for the first two months of the year were down by 2.5 percent to $3 million.

In spite of the announced loss of Midwest Airlines this spring, passenger loads remained steady, showing a 1.2 percent increase for the first two months of 2007. Seasonal travel to vacation destinations in the southwest especially benefited US Airways (formerly America West) and was up 49.1 percent in February.

And more passengers are deplaning in Colorado Springs. During February 2007, 144,824 travelers selected the Pikes Peak region for a destination, rising 8.7 percent from a year earlier.