BLOOMINGTON , IL (Tuesday, January 09, 2007)-A new record has been set for the Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal.  The airport, which celebrated its 500,000^th passenger of the year in early December, has final numbers for 2006 as reported by the airlines and the year has proven to be its most successful ever.  A total number of 519,811 passengers flew in and out of the Central Illinois Regional Airport this year.  This surpasses the previous record number, set in 2000, of 476,063.

“ Central Illinois has responded to the air service offered at CIRA in 2006, “stated Paul Harmon, Chairman of the Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority. “We are pleased that our facility was the choice for so many air travelers in and out of Central Illinois .”           

The new total of 519,811 passengers reflects a 13% increase in passengers over 2005.  Central Illinois Regional Airport offers service on five airlines – AirTran Airways, American Eagle, Delta Connection, Northwest Airlink , and United Express.  The first airport in downstate Illinois to secure service on a scheduled low cost carrier with AirTran Airways in 1996, the airport’s passenger count climbed in the late 1990’s. 

 “AirTran Airways has been proud to serve the Central Illinois market through CIRA for the past ten years providing our passengers with high quality service at low fares. said Judy Graham-Weaver, Manager of  Public Relations for AirTran Airways .”As we have grown and expanded our services over the years so has the Central Illinois Regional Airport .  We congratulate them on this exciting milestone.”

Central Illinois Regional Airport has consistently offered travelers throughout the region a convenient, low cost way to travel with its easy access at the crossroads of three major interstates, US Highway 51 and State Route 9.  Automobile parking and parking lot shuttle service is free to all its customers. A new terminal building was constructed and opened in November of 2001.

Mike Boyd, noted national aviation consultant and President of Aviation Planning of Evergreen, Colorado , thinks Central Illinois’ premier downstate airport is a reflection of the strength of the Central Illinois business community, According to Boyd, “CIRA has once again showcased the strong economic underpinnings of  Central Illinois . The nation's traffic was slightly down for the year, yet CIRA clocked in with a 13% increase"##

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Carl Olson   Phone (309) 663-7384  Central Illinois Regional Airport