Passenger flow continues to rise at WB/Scranton International Airport

Bill O’Boyle, The Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
·2 min read

Sep. 22—PITTSTON TWP. — Executive Director Carl Beardsley Thursday told the Bi-County Airport Board that passenger flow continues to grow at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport.

Standing before a large screen showing detailed charts, Beardsley said passenger enplanements for the month of August 2022 increased 24.4% to 18,266, up from 14,689 in the month of August 2021.

Beardsley said enplanements for August 2022 compared to enplanements for August 2020 increased by 10,870 or 147%.

In August 2022, Beardsley said 13 departing flights were cancelled:

—8 for ATC/weather.

—5 for airline initiated (unknown reason).

Beardsley said this accounts for 826 (3.7%) out of a total 22,134 departure seats.

Also, 23 arriving flights were cancelled:

—9 for ATC/weather.

—14 for airline initiated (unknown reason).

Beardsley also reported on the upcoming "Wheel Life Experiences" event, set for Saturday, Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Beardsley said children can have a "Wheel" Life Experience at AVP and get up close and personal with air and ground vehicles, rather than just reading about them, or seeing them in action around their communities.

"These machines are something that children get to see, but not get to touch or be close to," Beardsley said. "Those real-life experiences can now be "Wheel" Life Experiences that children can enjoy"

Beardsley said the event will be family-friendly, where children will be able to experience all types of vehicles, including air transportation, construction, public service, emergency, utility, landscaping, delivery, and many more.

"Children will be able to get in the driver's seat of their favorite vehicles, learn about those vehicles, and have an experience like adults get to do on a regular basis, as well as see and talk to the men and women who serve and protect our community," Beardsley said.

Gary Borthwick, Assistant Airport Director, gave the financial report and said for the month of August 2022 , airport operations had a net gain totaling $112,697, compared to a net loss of $236,967 in August 2021 — a difference of $349,664.

Year to date, Borthwick said airport operations had a net loss of $326,843, compared to a net loss of $1,957,283 in 2021, a difference of $1,630,440.

Invoices received since the last meeting for supplies and services totaling $398,850.98 were presented for review and approval of the board. The invoices included major construction project costs of $152,155.67.

In personnel, Beardsley reported the resignations of Stephen Cleveland, Scranton, David Snyder, Old Forge, and Katie Aebli, Scranton.

The board approved the appointment of John Engleman of Hanover Township to the position of Lead Fireman upon confirmation of airport clearances.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.