John Wayne Airport Performance Improves

Continuing to improve since Sept. 11, passenger volume at John Wayne Airport reached 744,875 in July, a 2.5% increase in travel compared with the same month last year, airport officials said Friday.

Officials said that although the number of passengers went up, the number of commercial flight operations--takeoffs and landings--dropped to 7,359 last month, about 6% fewer than in July 2001.

Flight operations for commuter air carriers, however, rose to 1,027, about 14% higher than in July 2001. The numbers reflect the addition of air taxi services--AmericaWest Express and American Eagle.

Air cargo tonnage also increased, from 1,372 to 1,866.

“This is definitely a good sign,” said Ann McCarley, an airport spokeswoman. “The numbers have been increasing every month since April. As far as passenger loads are concerned, the airport is doing well.”