After several recent high-profile airplane crashes, some travelers may be anxious about taking to the skies, but travel out of the Albert Ellis Airport remains on par with previous trends.
Mitch Sprunger, director of Albert J. Ellis Airport, OAJ, said air travel remains one of the safest forms of transportation, and the airport has not experienced a reduction in travelers this year despite recent events.
Since January, an alarming number of airplane crashes and mishaps have taken place in the United States and in Canada, starting with the Jan. 29 midair collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and an Army helicopter that killed everyone aboard both aircraft, resulting in 67 deaths. More recently, a small plane crash in Greenville a week ago left its two passengers dead.
There was also a Delta Air Lines jet that flipped on its roof while landing in Toronto in February, leaving several people injured, and an American Airlines plane that caught fire at Denver International Airport in early March, sending some passengers to the hospital with minor injuries, according to the Associated Press.
Sprunger said that while some of the recent plane crashes are disturbing, they are rare.
“Our focus is creating a safe and compliant facility for our users to operate from,” Sprunger said. “It’s important that the public remembers that air travel is one of the safest forms of transportation.”
Sprunger said that the Albert Ellis Airport team, together with the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Security Administration, and all other partners, remains vigilant in ensuring that all appropriate steps are taken to protect everyone who uses the airport.
He said they take the safety of their passengers and facility very seriously.
“While the FAA has direct oversight of safety for aircraft, airmen and air traffic control, our OAJ team is committed to creating a safe environment for both commercial and general aviation operations,” Sprunger said.
“We meet and comply with all the federally mandated standards, collaborate on security training, and stay informed about the latest protocols.”
The airport also has procedures in place to prevent and address any incidents that may occur. The airport recently had inspections with both the FAA and TSA, and both were discrepancy-free, Sprunger said.
OAJ has not experienced any decrease in passenger numbers or revenue, either.
“In fact, when comparing our current figures to this time last year, both passenger traffic and revenue are showing an increase,” Sprunger said.
“Additionally, our airline operators have added more capacity to OAJ’s market compared to last year, and we are optimistic that higher passenger numbers will follow to meet this added capacity.”
One OAJ passenger was preparing to board her first flight in more than 20 years on Wednesday.
Jacksonville resident Raeanne Coburn was headed to El Paso, Texas, to be there for the birth of her twin grandchildren.
“I’m anxious, because so much has changed since I flew,” she said. “It’s all on my phone and it’s weird. Just give me my boarding pass, give me the paper.”
As for the recent airplane incidents, Coburn chose not to focus on them.
“I try not to look at that, because I’ve got to get where I’m going,” she said.
For passengers worried about flying, Sprunger said to remember that aviation professionals, from pilots to air traffic controllers and airport staff, are highly trained to manage and mitigate risks, ensuring a safe journey for everyone.
He recommends arriving early and staying informed to make the travel experience more comfortable.
“Take comfort in knowing aviation regulations and standards are extensive and are designed to provide a safe experience for all passengers,” Sprunger said.
“We encourage all travelers to consider OAJ for their air travel needs and take advantage of the convenience and comfort OAJ offers. We’re here to provide an enjoyable travel experience for everyone.”
