'Robust tourism season' helps lift Jetport to passenger record

Courtesy / Portland International Jetport Portland International Jetport reported this week that it had its all-time busiest year in 2017 with 1.86 million passengers.

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By Staff

The Portland International Jetport had its all-time busiest year in 2017 with 1.86 million passengers.

The jetport reported that its 2017 passenger numbers were spurred by a strong summer tourism season and its airline partners adding additional off-peak flights. The 2017 total was a 4.2% increase over 2016’s 1.79 million passengers.

“2017 was a phenomenal year for the jetport” Airport Director Paul Bradbury said in a news release. “With a very strong mix of airlines, a robust tourism season and more Mainers choosing PWM over other airports in the region, we’ve set our all-time record for passengers.”

The jetport said other factors contributing to its record year in 2017 include:

American Airlines adding a third daily flight to Charlotte, N.C.
United Airlines doubling frequency to Washington, D.C.
Delta Air Lines starting service to New York City’s JFK airport
Southwest Airlines maintained four daily flights to Baltimore through October
Elite Airways added service to Sarasota/Bradenton, Fla.

“We continue to see more Mainers use PWM for their travels” said Zach Sundquist, assistant airport director. “As our airline partners add more seats into the market, it makes accessing the global networks much more convenient. We’re seeing more Mainers choose PWM as their entry into the air transportation system which has really helped our off season performance” he continued.

With an annual economic impact of over $1 billion to the local economy, the Portland International Jetport provides nonstop service to 14 destinations on six airlines. With all three global airline networks represented, passengers can connect to more than 2,000 global destinations with just one connection out of the Portland International Jetport.