Columbia Regional Airport sees record arrival and departure numbers for first quarter of 2017

(COLUMBIA, MO) - Passenger arrival and departure reached record altitudes in each of the first three months of 2017 at Columbia Regional Airport (COU). In addition to record setting numbers, the first quarter of 2017 was up an average of 24 percent compared to the first quarter of 2016.

"Columbia Regional Airport serves as a catalyst for economic development throughout mid-Missouri," City of Columbia Economic Development Director Stacey Button said. "The record numbers we're seeing each month at COU clearly show that we have a robust demand for local air service and very energetic community support."

Helping set record numbers is the commitment of the current air service provider, American Airlines, by increasing the capacity of available seats through introducing larger aircraft on many flights.

Below are the 2016 and 2017 first quarter numbers.

2016 First Quarter Arrivals	2017 First Quarter Arrivals	2016 First Quarter Departures	2017 First Quarter Departures
14,215	17,491	13,987	17,446

The 2017 arrival and departure numbers show an overall average increase in traffic of 24 percent from the 1st quarter of 2016 and an average 16 percent increase from the first quarter of 2015.

As was outlined in the 2009 Airport Master Plan, Columbia Regional Airport continues to improve airfield infrastructure. The reconstruction of runway 13-31, the crosswind runway, is scheduled to be completed by late summer of this year. Future infrastructure investments include pavement replacement and lengthening of the primary runway 2-20. These two projects are scheduled to be completed by 2020.

These infrastructure improvements and strong community support for existing and new air service are helping Columbia Regional Airport improve services to business and leisure air travelers throughout central Missouri.