VISION AIRLINES HELPS IN BREAKING RECORDS FOR THE NORTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL AIRPORT (FORT WALTON BEACH)

They say the proof is in the pudding. The latest story illustrate this and reiterates the positive impact Vision Airlines is having on our economy, specifically the vacation rentals and transient lodging and all the other things surrounding it in our area. As Greg Donovan, Airport Director, stated, more is on the way. Stay tuned.

Airport sets passenger record in April
Director: Vision Airlines expansion boosted totals
By DUSTY RICKETTS
Northwest Florida Daily News 315-4448 dricketts@nwfdailynews.com  
Northwest Florida Regional Airport had the busiest month in its 54-year history in April. The airport had 96,788 passengers, up 43 percent from April 2010. Last month’s figure also outpaced the airport’s previous high set in July 2001 by more than 13 percent. “When these certified numbers come in, it’s a great validation of what you know, that (Northwest Florida Regional Airport is) a tremendous product,” said Greg Donovan, Okaloosa County’s airports director. “I think we’re going to go into summer and break records on a consistent basis through the summer. I was very excited about it. I wasn’t surprised, and I think there’s a lot more to come.” Donovan said Vision Airlines, which expanded its service to 15 new destinations in late March and early April, was the overwhelming reason for the large increase.
“But all of the airlines were up, and I think some of that comes with overall increases in tourism, business activities, and certainly we’re seeing the beginning effects of the 7th Special Forces and their families coming in,” Donovan said. So far in 2011, passengers at Northwest Florida Regional are up almost 20 percent. It is not the only area airport doing well this year. Passengers at Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport were up 6.2 percent in April. Figures showed business at Mobile, Ala., Regional Airport was up 3.1 percent. Figures for the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport in Bay County were not available. “Everybody’s doing good, and that’s a real positive point,” Donovan said. “When I see that other airports are also doing well, not this dramatic, it’s an indicator to me that we’re mining new passengers all together, not stealing market share from one another.” Wayne Harris, an Okaloosa County commissioner and executive director of the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, said he was excited to hear Northwest Florida Regional had broken its passenger record. “We labored through the thing with Southwest (Airlines) and Bay County, but this to me just proves out that we’re the right location,” Harris said. “That’s why Vision chose us and look at what Vision brought to us compared to just one airline. Southwest would have brought a couple airplanes and some people. Vision brings in ($160 million) in economic impact and 4,200 jobs. That’s absolutely significant.”