Richmond (RIC) Reports New October Record as Passenger Traffic Increases 2.9%

At the monthly meeting of the Capital Region Airport Commission, Richmond International Airport (RIC) reported an October 2019 passenger traffic count of 393,124, making October 2019 the second-busiest month in the Airport’s history and the 25th consecutive month of record passenger traffic.

Passenger Traffic
In October, RIC had a 2.9 percent passenger traffic increase versus the same period a year ago. Delta claimed a 33.5 percent share of passenger traffic, followed by American (29.2%).

Four incumbent airlines, Southwest (+14.5%), Allegiant (+12.0%), Delta (+6.8%), and United (+5.0%), reported passenger growth versus a year ago. For the first ten months of the calendar year, RIC’s passenger count has increased 7.6 percent to 3.625 million passengers.

Cargo
Total cargo, measured as a sum of freight and mail, increased 5.2 percent in October versus the year-ago period. For the calendar year to date, total cargo has increased 1.3 percent.

Operations
Total operations in October decreased 1.4 percent, but show a 5.7 percent increase so far this calendar year.

View the monthly aviation summary here.

Financials
Through October, operating revenues for the fiscal year to date totaled $18.4 million, greater than budget by $647 thousand (4%). For the same period, operating expenses totaled $8.9 million, less than budget by $428 thousand (5%).

Additional Matters
Additional items discussed at the Commission meeting include:

• Allegiant announced new twice-weekly service to Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) near the Ft. Myers, FL, metro area. Service will start February 13, 2020, and is initially characterized as seasonal. Punta Gorda will be Allegiant’s fifth destination from Richmond, joining St. Pete/Clearwater (PIE), Orlando/Sanford (SFB), Nashville (BNA), and Sarasota/Bradenton (SRQ).
• The Commission’s Finance Department issued the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the years ending June 30, 2019, and 2018. The Commission’s ACFR has been recognized by a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association every year since 1990. Recent ACFRs are posted on the Airport’s website at https://flyrichmond.com/airport-information/#financials.
• The Commission awarded a contract for the Security Checkpoint B Expansion in the amount of $3.982 million to VIRTEXCO Corporation of Richmond, Virginia, as the lowest apparent responsive and responsible bidder.
• The Commission authorized the president and CEO to negotiate, execute, and grant an underground power utility easement to Virginia Electric and Power Company to extend service to the Police Shooting Range facility located at the Airport.
• Given the very late date (November 28th) this year, 2019 Thanksgiving holiday traffic will be split between November and December.

About Richmond International Airport (RIC)
Seven major airlines offer nonstop flights from Richmond International Airport (RIC) 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, according to the Virginia Department of Aviation. Annually, RIC welcomes more than four million passengers. For more information, please visit flyrichmond.com.

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