But Total Operations Remained Steady Compared To Last Year

The number of jets departing Santa Monica Airport (KSMO) fell sharply in February compared to the same month in 2017, but overall departures mostly remained steady, even showing a slight increase over the previous year according to the city's monthly operations departure report.

The Santa Monica Lookout reports that in February 2017, there were a total of 599 jet departures from KSMO and only 139 in February 2018, a 77 percent decrease. Turboprop activity increased from 303 in January to 331 in February. Suja Lowenthal, the City Manger's advisor on Airport Affairs, told the paper that the statistic may indicate that some jet activity might have shifted to turboprop aircraft.

Helicopter departures increased from 72 in February 2017 to 126 in February 2018. Piston aircraft departures also increased from 1,245 in February 2017 to 1,649 in the same month this year.

But piston departures are also down overall from 2016, which saw 2,052 piston departures in February, before several aviation tenants were ousted from the airport by the city.

In December 2017, the runway at KSMO was shortened by 1,500 feet under an agreement between the city and the FAA, which is intended to lead to the eventual closing of the airport.

(Image from file)

FMI: Original report