RIC Traffic Soars +16.9% to New November Record

Richmond International Airport, VA (December 13, 2018) – Richmond International Airport (RIC) reports a new November passenger traffic record as 370,289 traveled through terminal during the month, a 16.9 percent increase over the 2017 count of 316,622. November 2018 is the 14th consecutive record month at the Airport.

“We are so thankful for what is becoming a remarkable year of growth at RIC,” said Capital Region Airport Commission president and CEO Jon E. Mathiasen, AAE. “November – usually something of a shoulder season – reporting numbers that look like a peak summer month is fantastic, cargo volume has enjoyed a steady rise, and aircraft operations report healthy commercial and general aviation activity. All this is reflective of robust business activity across Virginia’s Capital Region.”

Passenger Traffic
In November, Delta claimed a 32.0 percent passenger share, followed by American (30.2%) and United (13.7%). New entrant Spirit claimed a 4.5 percent share for the month. In terms of year-over-year growth, American (+16.9%), JetBlue (+11.7%), and United (+10.5%) reported the strongest gains. Allegiant, with twice-weekly service to three destinations, reported an increase of more than 35 percent.

For the calendar year through November, RIC passenger traffic has increased 11.1 percent. View the monthly aviation summary here.

Cargo
Total cargo, measured as a sum of freight and mail, increased 2.8 percent in November versus the year-ago period. For the calendar year to date, total cargo has increased 4.8 percent.

Operations
Likewise, total operations increased 2.0 percent, with air carrier operations reporting a 14.3 percent increase over last year. For the calendar year, aircraft operations are up 5.3 percent.

Financials
On November 12th, Moody’s Investors Service issued a comment that Richmond International Airport’s robust passenger traffic growth is “credit positive.” Registered users may view this research at: https://www.moodys.com/credit-ratings/Capital-Region-Airport-Commission-VA-credit-rating-800005317.

About Richmond International Airport (RIC)
Richmond International Airport (RIC) is one of the most modern airports in the eastern U.S. Seven major airlines, Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and United, offer nonstop flights to major domestic destinations and connecting options to points around the world. The activities of RIC and its tenants create nearly 16,000 jobs and contribute $2.1 billion in economic activity annually to the Richmond region, per the Virginia Department of Aviation. To learn more, please visit flyrichmond.com.

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Contact:
Troy M. Bell, C.M., Director – Marketing & Air Service Development/PIO
tbell@flyrichmond.com