Passenger Numbers Up at Chicago-Rockford Intl. Airport

ROCKFORD - People are taking advantage of Chicago-Rockford International Airport's four air carriers.  Their passenger numbers are up 13% from this time last year.  The numbers from May show an almost 1,000 passenger increase from May 2011 to May 2012. 

Most people say they fly out of Rockford's airport for convenience, people like Jared Swanson of Baraboo, Wisconsin.

"I fly out of here every once in a while," said Swanson.  "I fly into Phoenix, Tampa Bay and now Las Vegas."

Swanson and his twin brother just turned 21 and so for a birthday present the two are going on a family vacation to celebrate in Sin City.  That's why most people fly out of Chicago-Rockford; the airport targets the leisure traveler.

"Flying a business destination once or twice a week does not allow the business traveler to consider this location," said Mike Dunn, the airport's director.

The airport tried targeting the business traveler.  Dunn said that was the case when he took over at the airport 10 years ago.  There was no service by then, but targeting the leisure traveler now seems to be working.  Numbers are projected to go even higher, even if the airport just stays at status quo.

"Allegiant Air is modifying all of their aircraft and adding 10% more seats, another 16 seats per aircraft," said Dunn.

"So without doing anything our capacity level will be up about 13% for next year too."

Swanson says it's affordable and there are no crowds like O'Hare and Midway Airports in Chicago.  He comments there's even free parking. 

When asked if he had any complaints about Chicago-Rockford International, Swanson replied jokingly, "Not at the moment, but we'll see how this flight goes."

There's the possibility for even more growth for the airport.  Dunn says they are in talks with some new airlines and there's chatter about new destinations.  Dunn is keeping tight-lipped about who those airlines are and where Rockfordians may be able to fly to next.