Glenn Lemons prepares for an incoming plane at the Chattanooga Airport.BOARDING HISTORYTop five years for passenger boardings at Chattanooga Airport:• 1. 1993: 311,204• 2. 1987: 311,139• 3. 2009: 310,414• 4. 2013: 309,235• 5. 2007: 307,500Source: Chattanooga Airport
Chattanooga Airport, riding a strong tailwind of business travel, is on course to set a new all-time record for annual passenger boardings that has stood for more than two decades, officials said Monday.
“Travelers from the region have a choice,” said Airport Authority Chairman Dan Jacobson. “We’re gratified they continue to use us.”
Airport boardings jumped 18.53 percent in July over the same month last year to 31,893 passengers, fueled by increases in the month from all the major airlines flying from Lovell Field, said Terry Hart, the airport’s chief executive.
Through the first seven months, boardings are up 14.64 percent to 197,505 passengers.