SWFI PAX Traffic Exceeds 6 Million

With one month to go, this year already has already proven to be the busiest in the history of Southwest Florida International Airport. With a record-breaking November of nearly 586,000 passengers, passenger traffic year-to-date has exceeded 6 million passengers, making 2004 the first year the airport has reached this milestone. Passenger traffic for November increased by 16 percent, and the year-to-date total reflects a 14 percent jump.

Not bad for an airport that serves a relatively small market -- Fort Myers/Naples, FL.

Nationwide, passenger traffic increased by 7.5 percent for the month and 5.9 percent year to date, according to the Air Transport Association.

"These numbers reconfirm the need for the new terminal, which is set to open next year," said Robert M. Ball, executive director of the Lee County Port Authority. "The current terminal was designed for 3 million annual passengers and was retrofitted with new security-screening equipment, so it’s easy to see why we’re feeling congested. Everyone will enjoy the additional space in the new terminal."

The new terminal will open with 28 gates on three concourses; the current facility has 17 gates on two concourses.

Air freight also increased at the airport during November, up 7.6 percent for the month and 6.5 percent year to date. A total of 29.7 million pounds of air freight were moved through the airport during the first 11 months of the year.

Why the growth spurt? Airport executives say southwest Florida is the fastest-growing region of the nation's third fastest-growing state. At this point, they don't see the phenomenal growth slowing any time soon.

FMI: www.flylcpa.com