A record 809,457 total revenue passengers traveled through the Eugene Airport in 2012. That reflects a 3.74% increase over 2011 which was the previous record year.
“Over the past five years we’ve gained back a significant number of local passengers who have made the choice to support their regional airport,” said Eugene Airport Director Tim Doll, A.A.E. “That increased passenger support has a direct effect on our ability to gain new nonstop routes and present a strong case for attracting new airlines.”
The Eugene Airport saw two new nonstop routes added in 2012. Allegiant Air added service to Palm Springs and Honolulu in November. EUG experienced several record travel months in 2012 including April, May, September and December. In addition, two record single travel days happened on November 21 and December 26.
The Eugene Air Service Community Partnership includes the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce, Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Travel Lane County, and the Lane Metro Partnership. These community partners have served a critical role in retaining and expanding air service at EUG.
“Our Chamber believes there is an unquestionable connection between local air service and our region's ability to capitalize on economic opportunities,” said Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce President Dave Hauser. “Whether it is attracting or retaining jobs or hosting world class events, local air service repeatedly plays a pivotal role.”
Factors contributing to the record year include:
• Business travel increasing with an improving local economy.
• Big bump in leisure travel with new nonstop flights to vacation destinations.
• More passengers utilizing their local airport - the retention rate at EUG increased 8% over the past four years.
• The Oregon Ducks appearance in the Fiesta Bowl and the Oregon State Beavers appearance in the Alamo Bowl, which included team, band, and booster charter flights.
Nearly all airline partners serving Eugene, including Alaska, Allegiant Air, Delta, and United, enjoyed an increase in passengers in 2012. Delta Air Lines, primarily serving the business market, enjoyed the largest percentage passenger bump with a 14.35% increase in 2012. Allegiant Air, which currently serves Las Vegas, Phoenix-Mesa, Oakland, and Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and Honolulu, saw a 13.94% increase in passengers in 2012. The Eugene Airport also offers nonstop service to Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Denver and Salt Lake City.
“Most airports our size would be happy to hold their own and we have been steadily moving ahead,” said Wally Anderson, chair of the Eugene Airport Advisory Committee. “The Eugene Airport is a major part of the growth of the economic development in the Eugene/Springfield area. It is due to a great staff, which is frugal with the way they operate the Eugene Airport, and bring a special level of professionalism to the job.”
Members of the Eugene Airport Advisory Committee include Wally Anderson (chair), John Tamulonis (vice chair), Linda Ackerman, Rachel Edwards, Shannon Nill, Janis Ross, Dan Rodriguez, Chris Nystrom and Laura Potter.