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What's normal? Over 400,000 at Midland International AirportWhat's normal? Over 400,000 at Midland International Airporthttps://www.recenter.tamu.edu/news/newstalk-texas/?Item=44822014-04-04T14:23:00Z2014-04-04T00:00:00Z

MIDLAND - Midland International has accommodated more than 450,000 passengers every fiscal year since 2007, other than in fiscal years 2009 and 2010 due to the national recession.

Midland had 165,028 enplanements thus far in fiscal year 2014 (between October 2013 and January 2014). This figure is already above the seven-year average, prompting predictions that the airport may surpass 500,000 passengers by the end of the fiscal year.

From fiscal year 2010 to January 2014, the number of passengers at Midland International increased by 17 percent.

Midland International’s soaring enplanements are an echo effect of the oil boom that continues to bring more job seekers from across the country, with business travelers outnumbering leisure passengers, according to Marv Esterly, director of airports.

Of all the airport passengers, 40 percent come from Midland, 40 percent come from Odessa and the remaining 20 percent come from the surrounding area, said Esterly.

With the robust economy, the airport is adding corporate hangars, renovating its food court and lounge area and making other improvements.

The Wright Amendment appeal will open the door for Southwest Airlines to offer additional nonstop flights out of Love Field starting in October 2014. Dallas Love is the top destination for Midland International passengers, according to the Research and Innovative Technology Administration.

As of January 2014, the airport has about $6.7 million in the bank, $1.9 million of which is in its operating fund. Taking advantage of the land, the airport recently opened a new revenue stream by leasing mineral rights to oil companies.

One recent project that also has long-term ramifications is the construction of a spaceport at Midland International. The spaceport would be the first in the country that would be built at a commercial airport rather than in a private field or one specifically meant for aerospace use.

Midland International Airport Boardings
Year # of
Boardings
FY 2007 488,792
FY 2008 496,841
FY 2009 433,032
FY 2010 426,648
FY 2011 463,874
FY 2012 488,138
FY 2013 499,169
Midland Reporter-Telegram
Midland
Infrastructure & Transportation
http://www.mrt.com/business/article_04ee5c4a-b9ef-11e3-a844-0019bb2963f4.htmlRead more at {Source}

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