Rockford Update From WIFR

Rockford, IL – The Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) released traffic statistics for January 2008. The airport experienced a 25% year-over-year growth. January 2008 saw 21,404 passengers fly through RFD compared to 17,049 passengers in January 2007. The overall load factor for the month was 81%. "January 2008 was an awesome month for us," said Executive Director Bob O'Brien. “This significant growth was due to our new destinations of Fort Lauderdale and Phoenix-Mesa," said O'Brien.

January 2008 - 21,404 Passengers
January 2007 - 17,049 Passengers

AIRPORT ANNOUNCES NEW DESTINATION - MYRTLE BEACHJanuary 2008 also brought about the announcement by Southern Skyways of new non-stop service to Myrtle Beach, SC which is scheduled to start May 23, 2008. This will be RFD's eighth non-stop destination; over 300 tickets have been booked since the announcement of service. "The addition of this seasonal service will really help to grow our passenger numbers through the summer travel season," said Board Chairman Mike Dunn. "These leisure-based products, to world class destinations are helping to serve the niche market for Chicagoland - a niche that we continue to work at exposing," he continued.

"Eight World Class Destinations in 2008 and we hope to add a few more," said O'Brien. "We continue to grow existing markets as well as expose new opportunities. What we have here is rare and should not be taken lightly. Many other communities are losing air service, so to be growing by 25% and announcing new cities is really a huge compliment to the region."

AIRPORT OPENS GATE 1 AREA: SUCCESSFULLY MAXIMIZES USE OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENTWith the tremendous growth the airport has experienced in the last five years, the airport has recently completed renovation of former office space in the Main Terminal into additional gate space for passenger operations. The area, approximately 2,000 sq. feet is now part of the secured area where passengers await flights. O’Brien noted that the entire Main Terminal’s upstairs area is now completely secured.

The terminal’s original layout, which was designed over 20 years ago, was designed to service 200,000 passengers a year. The new configuration will support airport operations, as it forecasted to service upwards of 300,000 passengers in 2008. "We continue to review ways to expand flights and live within the box that the community invested in over 20 years ago. Airport staff is dedicated to working within the resources we have and still provide a world-class, hassle free experience for the passenger,” said Dunn.