Passenger traffic at WB/Scranton International Airport continues to grow

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

Standing in front of a large screen with detailed charts, Beardsley said passenger numbers for August 2022 were up 24.4% to 18,266, compared with 14,689 in August 2021.

Beardsley said hiring in August 2022 was up 10,870, or 147%, from hiring in August 2020.

In August 2022, Beardsley said 13 outbound flights had been cancelled:

• 8 for ATC / Weather.

• 5 for the airline (unknown reason).

Beardsley said this represents 826 (3.7%) of the total 22,134 departure places.

23 arriving flights were also canceled:

• 9 for ATC / Weather.

• 14 at the initiative of the airline (unknown reason).

Beardsley also announced the upcoming Wheel Life Experiences event, which will take place on Saturday, October 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Beardsley said kids can get a real-life “Wheel” 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 cars are something kids can see but can’t touch or be around,” Beardsley said. “These real life experiences can now be ‘Wheeled’ life experiences that kids can enjoy”

Beardsley said the event will be family-friendly, where kids can learn about all types of vehicles, including air transportation, construction, utility, emergency services, utilities, landscaping, delivery and more.

“Kids will be able to get in the driver’s seat of their favorite vehicles, learn about those vehicles and experience them like adults normally do, and see and talk to the men and women who serve and protect our community,” Beardsley said. .

Gary Borthwick, the airport’s assistant director, presented the financial report and said the airport’s net income from operations for August 2022 was $112,697, compared to a net loss of $236,967 for August 2021, a difference of $349,664.

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

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

On a personal note, Beardsley announced the resignation of Stephen Cleveland, Scranton, David Snyder, Old Forge, and Kathy Ebley, Scranton.

The board approved the appointment of John Engleman of Hanover Township as lead firefighter after the airport permit was confirmed.