Florida airport saw increased traffic during DNC
September 19, 2012, 03:42 pm
Wilson Air Center in Charlotte, Florida, recently posted a record amount of airport operations during the Democratic National Convention earlier this month. The traffic began on August 31 before the convention was due to chartered aircraft accommodating many major news networks and government personnel.
Throughout the entire week, airport officials reported 11 separate charters were handled by the airport, each consisted of more than 1,000 passengers. The primary hoards of traffic came when event goers, business jet passengers, delegates, government officials, guests and supports arrived the following week.
When all was said and done, Wilson Air Center provided services for more than 640 aircraft arrivals and departures. Officials noted that none of the flights had any incidents or delays.
Usually the airport facilitates private aviation passengers when not slammed by a huge event like the Democratic National Convention.
"Wilson Air Center is a full service FBO that caters to every facet of private aviation travel," reads the Wilson Air Center-Charlotte website. "We strive to exceed both passenger and crew expectations every time you visit."
The airport provides numerous services for travelers coming to Charlotte, including concierge services, ramp shuttle services, aircraft detailing, Hertz rental cars on site, catering and hanger, lev, de-ice and portable water services.
DuPage Airport in suburban Chicago, reported that air traffic increased fourfold because of the 2012 NATO conference in May. Due to restrictions placed on O’Hare and Midway, Chicago's primary airports, many of the flights were diverted to DuPage.
“The volume of traffic far exceeded our expectations,” said David Bird, DuPage Airport executive director. “But it speaks well for the airport that we were able to handle it without delays, because we have the runway length, the hangar capacity and the personnel who are capable of handling that volume in stride.”
According to Dupage officials, the airport usually sells around 7,000 gallons of aviation fuel to aircraft airport on a normal day. but in the days leading up to the NATO conference, Dupage sold 28,200 gallons of aviation fuel.
Dupage has four runways, one of which is 7,570 feet, making it the second-longest runway in the Chicago area, following O’Hare's.
DuPage is the only airport in the region, besides O'Hare and Midway, with a control tower that never closes. The airport also has a 24/7 airfield rescue and fire fighting vehicle, and a 1million-square-foot apron and two instrument landing system approaches.
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