A Delta flight destined for Atlanta docks at the Chattanooga airport in this file photo. 
Bill Andrew, right, departs the ticketing counter at the Chattanooga Airport in this file photograph from June. Bill Clinton was president, Michael Jordan still played basketball, and the Dow Jones closed above 3,500 for the first time when Chattanooga Airport last set a record for annual passenger boardings.
Breaking a 21-year-old mark, Lovell Field officials said Monday that 2014 boardings have topped the previous 1993 high -- with still a month to go.
"It's an awesome record," said Dan Jacobson, the Airport Authority chairman who's seen ups and downs in the numbers over his 15 years on the panel.
Through November, 322,052 passengers have boarded a commercial aircraft at the airport. That shattered the 12-month peak of 311,204, according to airport figures.
Terry Hart, the airport's president, cited higher business growth as sending boardings soaring by more than 14 percent so far in 2014.
Hart told panel members he thinks that 350,000 boardings are within reach for all of this year.
"It's price and convenience," he said.
Airlines have kept fares competitive out of Chattanooga, Hart said. Also, the airport has tried to focus on customer expectations and wants, he said.
More travelers apparently aren't driving to other airports, such as in Atlanta, Knoxville and Nashville, to fly -- a problem that has plagued Lovell Field for decades. Hart said the airport is drawing more fliers from Northwest Georgia and Southeast Tennessee.
Delta Air Lines, the most frequently used airline at the airport, grew its traffic in Chattanooga grow by 14 percent through November over the same period a year ago, Hart said. He said Delta is flying bigger jets into the city, and it appears that the airline's ontime performance is improving.
Also, US Airways-related carriers are flying 21 percent more travelers this year, Hart said. Allegiant Air and American Eagle boardings also are higher for the year, he said.
Jacobson said the announcement about the new record came on the same day that board member Gene Veazey retired from the board after 15 years.
"He has seen revitalization, stability and growth," the airport chairman said.
Jacobson said he's looking forward to "an aggressive plan" to build on boardings in 2015.
Hart said he continues to talk with airline executives about more flights in and out of Chattanooga. He said he's still working on regaining nonstop service to New York City, which is one of the most popular destinations for Chattanooga area fliers.
Hart has said that Houston also is on the airport's radar screen.
Concerning falling fuel prices, the airport president said that's good for the carriers. He believes the airlines will continue to move away from flying the smaller regional jets to airports like Chattanooga and go with larger aircraft.
Contact Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6318.