Passenger Growth Slows At Logan, Increases At Black Falcon Terminal
Boston (CBS) – The steady growth of monthly year-over-year passenger growth is slowing at Logan Airport.
In his final report as interim CEO of The Massachusetts Port Authority on October 18, David Mackey said that Logan had experienced a two percent decline in passengers in the month of September.
Despite the decline, Logan is expected to handle a record 29 million passengers this calendar year, up about 100,000 over 2011.
Thomas Glynn will assume the post as Massport CEO on November 1 after a 16 month national search.
Logan will get two new airline routes next month. JetBlue Airways will begin service to The Cayman Islands and Southwest Airlines will begin non-stop flights to Milwaukee.
Massport is showing sharp growth in its cruise passenger business at Black Falcon Cruise Terminal. The number of passengers is up 39 percent this year with Carnival Cruise Lines starting a number of trips from Boston this year. When the cruise season ends next month, over 300,000 cruise passengers will have come aboard ships.
Overall net operating income for Massport was $17.4 million, $4 million more than last year in their fiscal year ending June 30. These results were achieved by increased parking revenue and concession fees.
Two major programs were approved by the board at the October meeting. Over $4 million will be spent on a digital passenger information program in all four terminals at Logan Airport. $1 million dollars was approved for initial work on navigation and taxiway improvements at the Worcester Airport now operated by Massport.
The Authority is in talks with JetBlue Airways to bring flights to the Worcester Airport. These flights could start late next year.
East Boston is expected to experience new development on Massport property with new rental housing and a groundbreaking before the end of the year by Roseland Development.
Airport workers and community leaders attended and spoke at the October 18 meeting to express their concern over discriminatory practices that may have been used in the termination of two workers at Logan by Flight Services & Systems. Massport continues to closely monitor that allegation.
All Things Travel Reports by Bob Weiss can be heard on WBZ News Radio
