Airport Authority Adopts 2017 Budget; Lowers Airline Costs for Fourth Consecutive Year

The Allegheny County Airport Authority Board of Directors today unanimously adopted a 2017 budget that includes a projected decline in airline rates for the fourth straight year, along with several important airport improvement projects. 

The $106.9 million operating budget projects a cost per enplaned passenger (CPE) of $12.85 at Pittsburgh International Airport, down from $12.88 in 2016, and the lowest since 2008. The budget will take effect in January. The authority is expected to finish under budget this year.

“Many positive factors, including increased passenger traffic, additional non-aeronautical revenue and hard work by everyone on our team, have contributed to our goals of lowering costs and maintaining financial stability while improving our airports,” Authority CEO Christina Cassotis said. “While airport costs are only a small factor in gaining air service, we are happy to introduce a budget that is conscientious, cost-competitive and forward-thinking.”

Pittsburgh International Airport has increased its number of nonstop destinations from 37 in 2014 to 63 today, with more announcements expected by year’s end. New airlines Porter, Allegiant, Frontier, OneJet and Southern Airways Express, as well as additional seats to new destinations, have fueled the increase in passengers. Traffic at Pittsburgh International Airport has continued to increase through August 2016, the fourth consecutive month of growth.

Total traffic for August 2016 totaled 743,791 passengers. August 2016 shows a 0.8 percent increase above August 2015, which saw 738,161 passengers. Year to date total airport passenger traffic is up 1.6 percent. Year to date, all scheduled carriers combined are up 2.4 percent.

Additionally, cargo volume is up 11.5 percent for the month of August and up 8.7 percent year to date. Mail is up 5.9 percent for the month and up 4.5 percent year to date.