Workforce Challenges and Inflationary Pressures Create Headwinds for Sustained Passenger Growth
The commercial service airports throughout the state have been reporting that overall airline load factors have been high and that conversations with airline partners requesting additional flights and seat capacity has been ongoing. A high load factor indicates that an airline has sold most of its available seats and is an indicator of strong demand. The available seats and flights available to the traveling public throughout North Dakota is currently still lower than pre-pandemic levels as airlines continue to communicate difficulties in adding capacity into the system due to workforce challenges. In order to once again see sustainable growth above pre-pandemic levels, additional flights and/or larger aircraft with additional seats will need to be added into the state’s system.
Posted 6/16/22 (Thu) read more »
April Snowstorms Impact Air Travel in Central & Western North Dakota
North Dakota’s eight commercial service airports posted a total of 76,553 airline passenger boardings during the month of April, 2022. This is a 23% increase from the 62,168 boardings that the state experienced in April, 2021. It is also approximately 17% below April 2019’s pre-pandemic passenger counts of 92,063. The multiple heavy snowstorms that our state experienced in April provided increased challenges for our airports and passengers as North Dakota experienced a larger than normal airline cancellation rate which resulted in a lower-than-expected statewide passenger count for the month.
Posted 5/16/22 (Mon) read more »
Aeronautics Commissioner Update
Aeronautics Commissioner Cindy Schreiber-Beck has recently announced that she will not be seeking re-appointment for her position on the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. Cindy was originally appointed as an Aeronautics Commissioner in 1997 and has served in this position for the past 25 years. “Cindy has been a tireless advocate for aviation throughout the years, both as an Aeronautics Commissioner and also at our capital as a state legislator,” stated Kyle Wanner, Executive Director for the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission
Posted 5/05/22 (Thu) read more »
March Airline Boardings Showcase Strong North Dakota Passenger Demand
North Dakota’s eight commercial service airports posted a total of 97,561 airline passenger boardings during the month of March which is a 35% increase in passengers from March 2021. This month also brought the state’s highest level of airline passenger traffic that has been experienced over a monthly timeframe over the last two years.
Posted 4/21/22 (Thu) read more »