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Airport projects slight revenue increase

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BY MATT OLBERDING / Lincoln Journal Star

Friday, Jul 25, 2008 - 12:23:46 am CDT

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. airline industry, the Lincoln Airport is projecting a slight increase in operating revenues for its coming fiscal year.

The 2009 budget adopted by the Airport Authority on Thursday predicts airport operations will bring in about $25,000 more than in 2008.

That’s a drop in the bucket, less than one-third of a percent of the airport’s overall projected revenue, but it’s a positive sign considering most major airlines have cut or plan to cut flights and the Lincoln Airport has been losing passengers for several years.

Story Photo
Travelers collect their luggage at the Lincoln Airport terminal in this file photo. (LJS file)
Airport budget

Fiscal 2008

Operating revenues: $9,718,891

Government grants: $2,625,184

*Reappropriation of funds: $12,129,328

Fiscal 2009 (projected)

Operating revenues: $9,746,310

Government grants: $2,052,445

*Reappropriation of funds: $17,268,579

*includes surpluses, reserves and other monies

Source: Lincoln Airport Authority

Commercial airline operations are actually expected to bring about $150,000 less to the airport next year, but that figure is expected to be offset by an increase in revenues from the airport’s industrial park.

“In these tough economic times, the airport is doing pretty well, especially with leasing Air Park buildings,” said Airport Authority member Bob Hampton, who also pointed out that for the 22nd consecutive year, the board will not exercise its taxing authority.

However, fortunes could change.

Though Lincoln has not lost any air service yet, both major carriers that serve the airport — Northwest and United — have made cuts in other cities and plan more for later in the year and into the next.

Airport Executive Director John Wood said the 2009 budget assumes the same level of service for Lincoln because, “it’s unknown, and we’ve got nothing else to go on.”

Wood said, however, that he has heard nothing from any of the airlines indicating they will reduce service here, and he also pointed to an interactive map on USA Today’s Web site showing Lincoln actually has about 1 percent more seats than it did in November 2007, while Omaha’s available seats have declined more than 6 percent.

Reach Matt Olberding at 473-2647 or molberding@journalstar.com.


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ok wrote on July 25, 2008 1:44 am:
" always nice when your airport directors are comfortable with the fact that airline revenues are crashing but that's ok because our industrial base is bringing in more cash - no need to worry about airstrip revenues. "

 nemo wrote on July 25, 2008 8:12 am:
" yeah. and now a round trip ticket from Lincoln is double what it is from Omaha. Used to be you'd say oh only 80 bucks even 100 that's okay I don't have to deal with more traffic and airport congestion. But for 300 bucks we'll pay for the 40 dollar ride to Omaha on Oma link. So Lincoln can become an industrial park instead of an airport. It's a crying shame. "

 With the price wrote on July 25, 2008 8:52 am:
" of fuel soaring, i guess its' possible to have more income. Tax on the fuel will bring in an extra 25K. Glad lincoln airport is happy with ups and fed ex and some others. United and Northwest will soon probably have one flight a day or LESS. KC here I come. "

 Ha wrote on July 25, 2008 10:35 am:
" Yep, thats the way we brag in Lincoln, charge 'em double, take their last
dime and whooppee, look what we've done, out skunked the rest of the
country!!! Oh yeah, we do that in property taxes toooooo!!! Now if you
could just get somewhere on those couple of airlines!!!! "

 Chris wrote on July 25, 2008 11:14 am:
" Lincoln and Omaha dropped the ball many moons ago when they decided to have separate airports. It makes no sense that there is not a joint airport in the Ashland/Gretna area to serve both populations. This set up would have benefitted the region's customers, but pride seems to have gotten in the way, with each community thinking they needed/deserved their own airport. Likely too late to do anything about it now, except that Lincoln's airport will likely die and Lincoln customers will be forced to drive 60+ miles. It could've been only 25 miles, and would provide a great halfway point and built in ridership for a light rail system b/w Lincoln and Omaha. So much for foresight. "

 Sam wrote on July 25, 2008 11:21 am:
" It's hard to take the user comments on here seriously when all it seems like people do regardless of the story content is whine about things. Is it the Nebraska values system to just whine and complain about everything, or does anyone ever take steps to make positve change. There's a big difference in constructive criticism and complaining; and I see very little of the latter here... I know many people feel powerless, but change will not happen if you don't take some actual steps to improve things. Think before you spew hate just because you can be anonymous. It wouldn't kill us to try and respect each other a little more... "

 Greg wrote on July 26, 2008 12:55 am:
" An airport located near Ashland would have been inconvenient for both Omaha and Lincoln, and it would have marginalized eastern Iowa as potential passengers. The center of economic activity in this state is still downtown Omaha, and it makes sense that Nebraska's commercial airport is focused around this traffic. Lincoln's airport will always be smaller due to a smaller population base. As long as Denver and Chicago are major hubs for airlines, it is unlikely that there will be a need for a huge airport in between Lincoln and Omaha. And in an area of very low population density, 60 minutes seems like a very, very reasonable commute. "

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