POCATELLO — The number of passengers using Pocatello Regional Airport continues to climb.
According to the airport, 41,273 passengers came in and out of the airport from March to September of 2016, a nearly 45 percent increase from the same time last year. September also saw the airport’s load factor at 79.2 percent, up from 61.9 percent in 2015.
“Load factor is another way of saying the average number of seats that are occupied on a flight,” said David Allen, Pocatello Regional Airport Manager. “It’s the number that airlines consider when they are looking at service levels and the higher the load factor, the more likely it is we could be considered for expanded service.”
The passenger count also shows that since a third weekday flight to Salt Lake City from SkyWest Airlines was added to the schedule in early March 2016, the number of passengers has increased substantially. March through June 2015 saw 15,989 people take to the skies at the Pocatello Airport, while the same time period in 2016 had 22,675.
“The count definitely shows that more and more people are taking advantage of the benefits of flying into or out of Pocatello,” Allen said. “We continue to tell travelers to always check the fares before booking their flight. We know we’re not always the right option but if the round-trip fare mark-up is $200 or less, and you total up all the other costs of driving to Salt Lake City, like gas, time, and parking, you’re more than likely going to want to fly from Pocatello.”
When flying in or out of Pocatello, travelers are extended a multitude of free amenities, including the popular free parking. Travelers at the airport can also take advantage of the free Wi-Fi, the shoe-shine station by Meyers Shoe Repair, the book sharing center courtesy of the Friends of the Marshall Public Library, a water refill station from Culligan Water Conditioning of Pocatello, complimentary coffee and a children’s play area.
For more information on Pocatello Regional Airport, visit iflypocatello.com and like the airport on Facebook at facebook.com/PocatelloRegionalAirport to stay up-to-date on airport giveaways, local and national aviation issues, and to see “Who’s Flying from Pocatello.”
