COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT WELCOMED 2.1 MILLION PASSENGERS, OVERALL GROWTH IN 2002
Colorado Springs Airport (COS) recorded 2,125,168 passengers arriving and departing through its gates in 2002. This represents an increase of 1.2 percent over 2001 figures. The scheduled boardings for the year were up 0.2 percent over the same period last year, with a total of 1,067,668 passengers boarding scheduled flights at COS. Including passenger charters, the total boardings for the year were 1,068,157, up 0.2 percent.
(PRWEB) January 31, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Erica Hupp, Colorado Springs Airport (719) 550-1900
Colorado Springs, Colo. (January 27, 2003) - Colorado Springs Airport (COS) recorded 2,125,168 passengers arriving and departing through its gates in 2002. This represents an increase of 1.2 percent over 2001 figures. The scheduled boardings for the year were up 0.2 percent over the same period last year, with a total of 1,067,668 passengers boarding scheduled flights at COS. Including passenger charters, the total boardings for the year were 1,068,157, up 0.2 percent.
"We are pleased with the increase in passenger traffic," said Gary Green, COS Aviation Director. "The entire aviation industry is still trying to rebound from the setbacks of the past two years. We are optimistic that this increase, though small, may signal a resurgence of passenger activity."
Several carriers in 2002 started new service at COS, including Allegiant Air which began nonstop flights to Las Vegas and same plane, one-stop service to Fresno, Calif. in February. In addition, SkyWest Airlines, a United Express carrier, began service in March to Los Angeles; Continental Express Airlines relaunched service in April to Houston; and Great Plain Airlines began service to Albuquerque in April. In December, America West Airlines upgraded two of its Phoenix nonstop flights from regional jets to two 737-300 series aircraft. On the same day, Comair, a Delta Connection carrier, reentered the Colorado Springs market with jet service to Cincinnati twice a day.
Total enplaned cargo year-to-date was down 1.2 percent from 44,145,649 pounds in 2001 to 43,607,611 pounds in 2002. Cargo landed weight at COS was a bright spot. Year-to-date cargo weight is up 11 percent from 181,137,900 pounds in 2001 to 201,083,500 pounds in 2002.
Terminal concessions have posted positive numbers as well. Year-to-date airport food/beverage/gift revenue was up 10.1 percent at COS with $665,730 in revenue, as compared to $604,608 in 2001. Parking revenue was up 1.8 percent in 2002 with $5.7 million in revenue reported over $5.6 million in 2001. Rental car revenue for the airport was also up 7.1 percent from $3.8 million in 2002 compared to $3.3 million in 2001.
A significant highlight in 2002 was when two major bond-rating firms, Moody's Investors Service and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, raised the bond rating for the airport to "A-3" and "A-," respectively. This upgrade was based on improved financial condition, strong liquidity, healthy financial margins and prudent development policies. Fitch Ratings added to the good news with a first-time rating of A - for the airport.
"It's been a good year in many areas," Green said. "These consistently positive numbers are a reflection of the hard work of our staff and steadfast support from the community."
Colorado Springs Airport handles approximately 114 arrivals and departures per day and is served by 9 commercial airlines. The Airport is situated on 7,135-acres and operates three runways - dual parallel and one crosswind - and boasts the longest runway in Colorado: 13,500 feet (2.5 miles).
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