Springfield airport reports fourth-best year in its history

Springfield-Branson National Airport last year recorded the fourth-best year in its 69-year history.

The airport’s total passenger count came to 846,324 in 2014, behind 2005, at 888,738; 2007, at 883,893; and 2006, at 864,999, according to a news release.

“Not only was 2014 one of the airport’s best years, it’s the best year the airport’s had since the beginning of the economic recession,” Director of Aviation Brian Weiler said in the release. “It’s a strong indication that the local and national economies are improving.”

Only United Airlines dropped its seat count at the Springfield airport in 2014, with a 0.5 percent decrease to 97,358. Allegiant Air made the biggest push, increasing its seat count by 9.6 percent to 100,233. Delta Air Lines increased seats to 91,726, a 7.2 percent boost, and American Airlines moved up its count by 5.4 percent to 185,366.

During the first half of 2015, advance schedules project a 4.5 percent increase in seats available at the airport, compared to 1.8 percent nationwide, according to the release.