2011 BUSIEST YEAR YET AT CIRA

Central Illinois Regional Airport Breaks another Record for Passenger Traffic

BLOOMINGTON, IL (January 16, 2012) …For the fifth time in six years Central Illinois Regional Airport  at Bloomington-Normal (CIRA) can look back on the busiest year in its history as 2011 passenger traffic surpassed 2010’s record breaking numbers. A total of 579,265 passengers flew in and out of CIRA in 2011, a 3.5% increase from the previous year.

“We continue to be grateful to the central Illinois traveling community for recognizing the value, the convenience and the service offered at CIRA by choosing this airport for their travel needs.” said Paul Harmon , Chairman of the Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority.  “Without question, the economic strength and vitality of the region, the location of the airport at the crossroads of major interstates and highways, and the free parking and service offered at CIRA have contributed to this record breaking result for 2011.”

One of the fastest growing non-hub airports in the United States in the 1990’s, Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal opened its new terminal in November of 2001.  CIRA enjoyed increases in passenger traffic eight out of the last nine years.

 In 2011, the airport also earned the Primary Airport of the Year Award from the Illinois Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics and repeated its 2010 perfect score from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on its annual certification and safety inspection. Preparing for the future, CIRA’s 2012 plans include a new in-line baggage screening facility and new boarding bridges to enhance the customer experience.  ##

For More Information        Carl Olson    Executive Director, Central Illinois Regional Airport    309-663-7384 cira@cira.com