Punta Gorda Airport Ends 2018 with Significant Accomplishments

The Charlotte County Airport Authority (CCAA) announced the Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) passenger count for 2018 totaled 1,577,164. This is a 21.95 percent increase in passenger traffic for 2018 compared with 1,293,337 total passengers in 2017.

For December 2018, the total passenger count was 131,423. There were 62,617 boarding passengers and 68,806 arriving passengers, a 2.36 percent increase over December 2017. The total annual passenger count has continued to increase each year, advancing the airport’s status as an important transportation and economic asset for Charlotte County.  

“This has been an outstanding year for the Punta Gorda Airport,” said CCAA Board Chair Pam Seay. “Not only have we welcomed more travelers to Charlotte County, we’ve continued strong revenue streams, increased our cash reserves and made great progress on important airport projects.”

“We look forward to projects that will further improve the commercial passenger experience, from expanding parking to making the terminal curbside safer and the roadways more efficient,” said PGD’s CEO James W. Parish.

In 2019, the CCAA will continue working toward the rehabilitation and expansion of Runways 15-33 and 14-22 and will break ground on a new General Aviation Center off Challenger Road at the north end of the airport.  

2018 has been a significant year for PGD. Among the accomplishments, PGD:

• Closed Fiscal Year 2018 with more than $10 million in cash reserves and strong revenues ($14.5 million) over expenses ($10.3 million).

• Substantially completed the Master Plan Update and submitted the final draft for FAA approval.

• Increased the number of commercial aircraft spaces from seven to 10 by completing an air carrier ramp construction project.

• Decreased passenger waiting times by opening an additional TSA security screening lane.

• Improved efficiencies by completing an outbound baggage ramp expansion.

• Managed roof repair and expansion of the rental car customer service center, addition of an automated car wash, installation of a 10,000-gallon fuel tank and fuel management software system.

• Kicked off design of the new General Aviation Center, site plan and received public input on its “15 percent Conceptual Design.”

• Achieved the National Air Transportation Association Safety 1st qualified status for safe fueling and ground handling of aircraft at PGD’s Fixed Base Operator.

• Hosted the TSA Mobile Enrollment RV, which resulted in 707 new travelers being enrolled in in TSA PreCheck.

• Celebrated PGD’s 75th Anniversary with a commemorative challenge coin treasure hunt that garnered 250 entries and engaged participants online and at locations in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte.

• Hosted the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Fly on the Ford, North American Trainers Association Formation Clinic, Florida International Air Show and 75th Anniversary Celebratory event.

• Welcomed new tenant Flight Fast Track to PGD, which offers accelerated private pilot courses, instrument training, certified instructor training and commercial pilot training.

In addition to PGD’s achievements, the following highlights also occurred during 2018:

• Allegiant invested $478,000 in fuel farm infrastructure at PGD.

• Allegiant added five new nonstop routes to Nashville, TN; Omaha, NE; Appleton, WI; Albany and Syracuse, NY.

• Allegiant celebrated 40 million travelers through Florida by giving everyone on a flight from PGD to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) a refund for their airfare.

• Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation experienced continued success and increased student enrollment.