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2/18/08 St. Petersburg International Airport 92% Passenger Traffic Increase
St. Petersburg International
Airport (PIE) reports it has served 747,369 passengers in 2007,
representing a 92% increase over 2006 and its fifth best year on record
since 1992.
The airport has added
new airline carriers, and has tripled the number of non-stop destinations
in conjunction with low-fares to cities not historically served by local
airports. Airport Director, Noah Logos expressed, “St. Petersburg
International Airport (PIE) now offers a new gateway to city visitors in
discovering the beauty and culture that makes St. Petersburg a world-class
tourist destination.”
The airport’s
seasonal carriers of Sunwing, Sun Country, and Transat Holidays bring 100
flights per week to meet traveler demand for escape from the cold and
snow. A diverse mix of both national and international
passengers comes to our area, and March is historically the airport's peak
traveler month - 80,274 passengers in 2007.
The major air
carriers at PIE are Allegiant Air (50% market share) and USA3000 (41%
market share). In
2008,
Allegiant Air begins its second year in operation with 14 destinations and
looking to expand its connection city offerings; USA3000 celebrates its
fourth year of service with a 20% increase in passenger service; and a new
carrier, Myrtle Beach Direct Air joined the growing airport family of
carriers with service that began last December.
In addition to
passenger air service providers, PIE also maintains a reputation as a
freight carrier destination. UPS has been in operation at the airport since
1987 and is celebrating its 20-year anniversary at the airport. UPS is the
world’s largest shipping carrier, celebrating its 100-year service
anniversary this month, and is a local supporter of local youth educational
tours and a training center for local airport rescue firefighters.
With all the exciting
growth at St. Petersburg International Airport, a terminal renovation
project is on the docket in 2008. The project is expected to consist of two
new passenger loading bridges, renovation of Terminal Gates two through
six, interior renovations at Ticketing B area, and new ticket counters,
baggage conveyors, and other ancillary equipment.
To learn more about
the St. Petersburg International Airport and its travel friendly
environment, visit PIE online at www.fly2pie.com.
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