Passenger traffic at the Quad City Airport declined again last year, continuing a trend that began five years ago. The total number of people flying into, and out of, the airport, dropped about 6,000 from the previous year, or nearly one per cent.
Director of Aviation, Bruce Carter says the numbers are disappointing, but still pretty good. But since 2011, traffic has dropped 13 per cent and he blames the big drop on losing Air Tran service in 2012.
Southwest Airlines bought Air Tran, and dropped its service to many smaller metropolitan areas, including the Quad Cities.
Last fall, United Express began offering flights between here and Washington DC.
Also for this year, Carter hopes the airlines serving the Quad City Airport will use larger planes to carry more passengers, and that they expand the number of destinations.
In addition, he's hoping a developer can be found for the the former Flicks and Skyline Inn properties - together they total about 9 1/2 acres, and could be suitable for a hotel, restaurant, or retail project.
