Horizon Air passenger counts are positive, but still below goals

    Despite challenging economic times, passenger enplanements on Horizon Air at the Walla Walla Regional Airport remain strong. January through July 2009 passenger enplanements totaled 18,574 as compared to 17,044 for the same period last year. A nine percent increase in challenging economic times is positive news.
    While passenger enplanements are up, Horizon considers Walla Walla a marginal market. The Port along with the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce Air Travel Coalition continues to encourage travelers to fly out of Walla Walla whenever possible.
    Port Commissioner Paul Schneidmiller points out that Horizon needs improved load factors for each flight to break even in the Walla Walla market. “Even though passenger enplanements are up,” Schneidmiller said, “the Walla Walla market has not consistently met the airline’s target. Retaining commercial air service is important to our long-term economic vitality.”

    For more than few Valley residents, a special “tour stop” of the B-17 Sentimental Journey at the Walla Walla Regional Airport was a reason to remember their own service on board similar airplanes during World War II.
    Port Commissioner Paul Schneidmiller said that the availability of the historic aircraft for tours and fl ights offered everybody, including veterans who piloted B-17s and others who were assigned to “Flying Fortress” crews, a unique opportunity to share their historic experiences with families and friends. “I’ve never experienced anything like it,” Schneidmiller said. “It really gave us a chance to reach out to our communities.”
    The Sentimental Journey visit was part of an August weekend that included participation by businesses located at the airport.