Latest news with #AirportDevelopmentBoardMeeting
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Abilene Regional Airport sees 19% growth in 2024, plans for continued expansion
ABILENE, Texas () – During the January Airport Development Board Meeting, Transportation Services Director Don Green and Marketing and Development Manager Elizabeth Smyser presented the 2024 Abilene Regional Airport statistics, highlighting a year of significant growth. In December 2024, passenger boardings increased by 10%, with 9,360 enplanements. This marked a rise of 867 passengers compared to December 2023. For the entire year, the airport recorded a 19% increase in boardings, with 99,338 enplanements in 2024, up from 83,311 in 2023. Abilene Regional Airport proposes $70 million renovation project Green credited this success to several factors, including a thriving local economy and passenger satisfaction with the aircraft in use. 'A lot of businesses are thriving, and businesses are being drawn to the area,' Green explained. 'We still continue to see that the Embraer 175 is doing very well. It is very popular among our passengers with the two class service and just that larger feel. It's more of a mainline feel.' Green also noted an uptick in business travel to Abilene, though specific figures are still being assessed. 'It's hard to quantify right now, but we're engaging with companies to better measure this growth in the coming year,' he added. The positive trends extended to parking revenue, which exceeded $1.1 million by the end of the fiscal year in October 2024. Abilene City Council debates $5.6 million increase in airport project costs Green praised Smyser's efforts in enhancing the airport's social media presence and marketing initiatives, which have grown substantially over the past year. Smyser added that American Airlines remains confident in Abilene's progress, maintaining a steady five-flights-a-day schedule. Additionally, Green provided an update on the airport ramp project. A preconstruction meeting was held two weeks ago, and a notice to proceed is set for February 17. Green expects visible progress, such as groundwork, to begin by the end of February. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Abilene Regional Airport proposes $70 million renovation project
ABILENE, Texas () – As the Abilene Regional Airport approaches its 57th anniversary, a new plan has emerged to give the building a refresh, with an estimated cost of $70 million. At the Airport Development Board Meeting, Director of Transportation Services Don Green said Abilene was well overdue for a refresher at the airport. 'The terminal was built in 1968. It needs improvements; it needs additions. It needs work to happen on it. No matter what kind of work we decide to do, what level, what phase… we have to start putting some money into the terminal,' Green said. Abilene City Council debates $5.6 million increase in airport project costs The project is broken into three phases and has an estimated cost of $70 million, which Green said even if bonds cover it, the city would still have to pay $20 million. 'I don't think that this happens without a bond election. Right. Because we're talking big bucks,' Green said during the meeting. The airport currently experiences a crowded lobby area during boarding time, with planes operating at full capacity. The plan's primary goals are to enhance lighting, increase capacity, and improve accessibility outside. Green discussed several proposals for the new building, including removing the top-tier driveway and adding another lane to the lower level instead. Sky high forecast: How Abilene's airport uses aviation weather 'That gives us larger restrooms. It gives us an assisted restroom, nursing mothers room, a vending area, a VIP business space, and seating for up to 200 people and the new jet bridge,' Green said. 'We're going to have more glass, and that opens up the feel of the terminal. It opens up the light to natural light during the daytime.' The proposal will be brought up at the City Council retreat on Friday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
