Airport usage rises

Economic growth and competitive fares are the driving forces behind a boost in boardings at the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, officials said.

Michael J. Landguth, president and chief executive, said boardings last month were up more than 8 percent over September 2008. Boardings so far this year were up almost 4 percent from the same time a year ago, he said.

"The is a reflection of the growth in the community and competitive fares in the market," Mr. Landgruth said.

Records show 24,103 passengers took off from Lovell Field last month, up 8.28 percent from the 22,259 passengers during the same month a year ago.

Daniel R. Jacobson, chairman of the Airport Authority board, praised the increase during a slow economic period.

"Look around the industry and look around at other airports our size and it is good to see we have grown," Mr. Jacobson said. "Chattanooga is a growing part of Southeast Tennessee and of the tri-state region."

Mr. Jacobson attributed the growth to economic growth in the region as well as competitive airfares that make Chattanooga an attractive place from which to fly.

Other officials cited Volks-wagen when discussing the growth, claiming the German automaker is drawing people to Chattanooga.

Mr. Landguth agreed.

"We can't lose sight of all the economic news from our area," he said.

In other business, Robert Belcher of Joseph DeCosimo & Co. reported no major findings in the airport's annual audit.

"It is a clean audit as has been the case in prior years," he said.

The airport's total assets are up $2.4 million and long-term debt is down $6 million, Mr. Belcher said. Equity is up $8.2 million as a result of a $5.4 million capital improvement project.

"This is some very positive results in a very difficult economic situation," Mr. Belcher said.