Working together we are making progress
IN THE CITY
by Scott Wardwell
The months of February and March were very good months for the Northern Maine Regional Airport (PQI). Passenger loads were up substantially. Clearly, the flying public in northern Maine and New Brunswick are taking another look at PQI. It also shows that people are beginning to travel again. If these trends continue we will be in a good position to further improve air service to our area.
In February, we had a 10 percent increase over February 2009. The reasons for this increase are not completely understood. For the residents of northern Maine it is a combination of lower pricing, reduced energy costs and an improving economic outlook. In addition to these factors, the strength of the Canadian dollar is attracting our New Brunswick friends.
In the month of March, PQI saw a 25 percent increase over March 2009 in the number of passengers boarded. It represents the largest percent increase since April 2005. The increase is as large as it is, due in part to the relatively poor performance in 2009. Nevertheless it takes us to levels not seen since 2007.
So what does all this mean for improved service at PQI. If these trends continue and the flying public continues to increase their utilization of the airport, it could mean more flights with the SAAB 340. Greater utilization may lead to even better pricing as the fixed costs of operating an air service out of PQI is spread over more passengers.
Scott Wardwell is airport director at Presque Isle’s Northern Maine Regional Airport. He can be reached at 764-2550 or via e-mail at scottw@FlyPresqueIsle.com.
