Baton Rouge Metro Airport Passenger Volume Up
The total passenger count at the Baton Rouge Metro Airport was up 3.40% for the first quarter of 2017 at 179,776 passengers. Enplanements (departing passengers) were up 3.70%, and deplanements were up 3.09%. For March, enplanements and deplanements were up in 4.20% and 5.88% respectively. Through the first quarter, Delta had the highest share of passengers at 68,470 followed closely by American at 66,388. United was third at 44,918 passengers.
BTR's airline seating capacity has increased primarily due to aircraft upgrades to larger, dual-class regional jets by American and United. American now flies Canadair CRJ 700 jets with first class and coach seating options on the majority of its Charlotte and Dallas-Ft. Worth hub flights from BTR. United has begun flying dual-class Embraer 170/175 jets for select flights to their Houston hub. Delta began adding larger aircraft to their BTR schedule several years ago, including Canadair CRJ 700 and 900 jets and Boeing 717s. As the three carriers continue to replace their 50-seat aircraft with larger regional jets, BTR officials anticipate further growth in the percentage of larger, dual-class jets serving the airport.
Interim Airport Director, Ralph Hennessy, said, "Without the community support for BTR, the aircraft upgrade by our incumbent airlines would not have been possible. We appreciate the passenger support and look forward to continued growth in BTR's airline seating capacity and percentage of dual-class aircraft in our schedule."
