Flights out of JWA decrease by 2.7%

Paul Clinton

JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT -- Fewer travelers are flying on a similar number

of planes, according to October statistics released by airport officials

this week.

Passenger levels for October dropped 15% as compared with October

2000, even though there was only a 2.7% drop in the number of commercial

flights.

The dramatic drop in the number of people flying out of the airport

after Sept. 11 mirrors a nationwide trend.

In addition to the drop in passengers, the airport also saw a 36.9%

drop in air cargo.

However, general aviation operations, a category that includes charter

and other private flights, increased 0.1% from last October.

So far this year, 6.16 million passengers have used the airport, a

5.6% drop when compared with the first 10 months of 2000.