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Abilene Airport reports 19% year‑over‑year enplanement growth for 2024; air service steady
Summary
Airport staff presented 2024 enplanement statistics showing a 19% year‑to‑date increase, reported increased parking and rental revenue, and updated the board on air service, the aircraft ramp project and other operational items.
Airport staff told the Abilene Airport Development Board that passenger enplanements for 2024 rose sharply and that air service remains steady with carriers continuing planned schedules.
Elizabeth (airport staff) reported December 2024 enplanements rose about 10% compared with December 2023 — to roughly 9,360 from 8,493 — and said year‑to‑date enplanements for 2024 were about 99,338 versus 83,311 in 2023, a roughly 19% increase. “Our total enplanements blew us all away,” Elizabeth said, summarizing staff reaction to the final numbers.
Staff tied the increase to regional economic activity, the newer Embraer 175 aircraft and marketing efforts to reduce passenger leakage to larger airports. The board discussed whether business travel had increased; staff said they were pursuing data and outreach to companies to quantify that trend.
Other operational items: Staff said parking revenue exceeded $1.1 million for the fiscal year ending in October, an increase of about 34%. Car‑rental activity is improving, with Hertz ramping up after a February 2024 start. Don (airport staff) reviewed project updates: a preconstruction meeting has occurred for the aircraft ramp project and a notice to proceed is planned for Feb. 17; coordination with Weber Construction, Atmos gas‑line relocation and FAA line relocation remains active.
Board housekeeping and formal actions: The board completed a reappointment oath for Taylor County representative Randy Williams. Members voted to approve the Nov. 13, 2024 meeting minutes. The board later conducted nominations and elected officers: Board member Greg Bridal was elected chair and Laurie was elected vice chair. The board recessed for an executive session that covered legal counsel, real property, security and economic development; staff reported no votes or actions were taken during executive session.
What was not decided: No final funding decisions for the terminal project were made at this meeting; the board directed staff to brief City Council next week. Staff said grant awards remain uncertain and that federal funding is competitive.
Quotes from the meeting: “You should be seeing some new businesses up there,” Elizabeth said about terminal advertising and marketing work. On project scheduling, Don said, “Probably within 10 days of that. So by the end of February, I think we'll see noticeable work being being done out there.”
Ending note: Staff said it will send board members the presentation renderings and continue to pursue FAA and ATP grant opportunities while preparing the council briefing.
