Daytona
Beach International Airport flying high with new carriers, routes
A US Airways Express jet arrives to a warm
welcome at DBIA after a nearly 10-year absence.
Photos by Jeff Crumbley/Volusia County Government
To say
things are looking up at Daytona Beach International Airport (DBIA)
is true, literally and figuratively. Heading into 2008, airport
officials have a lot to celebrate.
The most recent triumph is the return of US Airways to DBIA. The
airline had served Central Florida from DBIA until 1997 when
corporate issues caused the air carrier to leave the market. In
December, after encouragement from United States Congressman
John Mica and loads of statistical data from DBIA, the carrier
announced its return to the market with nonstop service to
Charlotte, which began this month. The inaugural flight celebration
was February 1, complete with a traditional “water salute” over the
first arriving aircraft as it approached the terminal to disembark
and board passengers on the new route.
This nonstop service adds to DBIA’s roster of nonstop flights, which
include AirTran Airways and Delta Air Lines flights to New York’s
LaGuardia Airport; AirTran flights to Baltimore; Delta flights to
Atlanta; Continental Express flights to Newark; and Vintage Props &
Jets flights to the Bahamas. These hub airports give travelers
connections to destinations worldwide with the ease and convenience
of flying to and from Daytona Beach.
DBIA served more than 700,000 passengers last year, a 27 percent
increase over the prior year. “We are pleased with the numbers,”
said DBIA Director Dennis McGee. “But topping that figure will take
enormous effort and lots of strategic marketing to ensure the flying
public knows enough about our service to book flights in and out of
DBIA rather than alternative airports.”
Recruiting airlines is a never-ending process. Even when a new
carrier introduces service to DBIA, it only may be offered on a
seasonal basis. And, sometimes service can be ended abruptly, due to
myriad factors that drive complex decisions relative to market
selection or competition. Sustained support and advocacy from
Congressman Mica and many local leaders is very important and the
DBIA staff communicates constantly with airlines, making the case
for including DBIA in their systems.
“But the reality for any community with air service is that you must
use it, or your will lose it,” said Steve Cooke, DBIA’s Director of
Business Development.
While landing a new carrier at DBIA is a big victory, retaining
service is equally important. Such was the case last year, when
AirTran decided to make its nonstop “seasonal” route between DBIA
and Atlanta year round. “We were thrilled at the news,” said Cooke.
“It amounted to recognition of our growing number of business
travelers and inbound passengers from the 42 other cities AirTran
serves through Atlanta.” Another factor in the process of winning –
or retaining - airlines at DBIA is cooperation from the area’s
tourism advertising authorities. The West Volusia Tourism Advertising
Authority, the Southeast Volusia Advertising Authority and the
Halifax Area Advertising Authority (Daytona Beach Area Convention
and Visitors Bureau) provide funding and other support to help DBIA
advertise in out-of-state markets to promote service demand on those
routes. They also include route information among their advertising,
marketing and public relations efforts.
“We recognize the importance of having such a great airport in our
market,” said Sharon Mock, president and chief executive officer of
the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, which serves
the greater Halifax area. “It’s good for tourism, and it’s good for
the community.”
It’s also good for the Ocean Center, Volusia County’s meeting,
convention and sports complex. “The success of Daytona Beach
International Airport has a direct effect on the Ocean Center’s
ability to compete for meetings and conventions,” said Ocean Center
Director Rick Hamilton. “In fact, improving air service has helped
us compete for more and better bookings.”
But, convenience and passenger counts are just part of the success
story at DBIA. The complex is an economic engine for the entire
region, with a financial impact of more than $300 million annually.
The airport also plays a role in direct and indirect payroll
exceeding $90 million and 4,000 jobs annually,
according to an
economic impact analysis completed by the Florida Department of
Transportation Although part of the Volusia County Government
budget, DBIA operates as an enterprise fund without local property
taxes. This means DBIA generates its own revenues that are used to
operate the airport.
“To have such
a wonderful facility that serves so many residents and visitors with
world class air service, and with zero burden on the taxpayers, is a
beautiful thing,” said County Manager Jim Dinneen. “We are very
proud of DBIA and the fact the airport gets high marks from
passengers every day.”
Revenues
supporting DBIA come from the airlines through rentals and landing
fees and many other aviation related enterprises. Major aviation
tenants include the airport’s three fixed-base operators
(FBOs)—SheltAir, Yelvington Jet Aviation and Lynch Corporate
Services – that serve general and corporate aviation. Other tenants
include airport hotels, restaurants and other businesses. A new
company, JetPark Daytona, is developing 108,000 square feet of
corporate hangar space at DBIA’s southeast section.
Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University (ERAU) is a major partner with DBIA. The
university leases approximately 56 acres and owns other property,
which has access to the airport. ERAU and DBIA have a working
relationship under the teaching airport initiative, which promotes
internships and joint research projects between the county and the
university. The university also is working with the airport,
Lockheed Martin, Transtec and others on the Integrated Airport
Project, which seeks to provide unified and common communication
systems within the airport environment, enhance safety,
communication and security. The Integrated Airport Project is a lead
in the development of the future research park planned at the
university.
Volusia County Council members, and airline and airport officials,
celebrate the inaugural flight of US Airways.
Pictured, from left: Art Giles, district 2; Jack Hayman, district 3;
Joie Alexander, Vice-chair; Chuck Allen,
US Airways; Dennis McGee, DBIA; and Stephen J. Cooke, DBIA
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