January News

The Wilmington International Airport (ILM) served 817,896 passengers in 2016; setting a new record.  When compared to 2015, passenger enplanements were up 6.6% (25,365) and deplanements were up 5.9% (22,722) year over year.  The prior record for total passengers served was back in 2010, when ILM served 799,710 passengers.

Revenue Passengers Served*:

Year Enplanements Deplanements Total
2016 411,399 406,497 817,896
2015 386,034 383,775 769,809

The most recent economic impact study, conducted by the NC Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation, indicated ILM had a $1.6 Billion impact on the region.  With the increase in passengers in 2016, ILM anticipates the next report by the NCDOT Division of Aviation will show Wilmington International Airport’s economic impact on the region now exceeds $1.6 Billion.

The Wilmington International Airport serves southeastern North Carolina with commercial air service on both Delta and American Airlines.  Airlines evaluate each community on passenger and revenue statistics and utilize this information when evaluating the need for larger airplanes or additional flights.  Leading into 2016, “American and Delta Airlines recognized the strong market in the greater Wilmington area and they added larger aircraft with more seats to carry additional passengers to and from ILM.” stated Julie Wilsey, Airport Director. “The increased seat capacity was timely; aligning well with statistics that show the tri-county area is one of the fastest growing regions in the country and local tourism is at an all-time high.”

“ILM thanks our airline partners, American and Delta, as well as all the employees who are instrumental in our accomplishment.  We also acknowledge the travelers in our community who use the local airport and thank them for their loyal support. We look forward to another great year in 2017!” stated New Hanover County Airport Authority Chairman Thomas Wolfe. With the population of the tri-county area projected to increase through 2040, and positive economic indicators, the outlook continues to look strong for air travel through ILM.

ILM Reflects on Top 10 Accomplishments from 2016

The team at ILM brainstormed our top accomplishments from 2016–here they are in no particular order!
  • Live Oak Bank Leased Site for Corporate Hangar (construction in progress-pictured above)
  • Hosted First NC Airports Association Conference in Wilmington
  • Solidified a Ground Transportation Agreement with UBER
  • Air Wilmington Completed a 21,000 SF Hangar
  • 2 New Tenants Solidified for Flex Building
    • Toshiba Opened 12/16
    • Construction Started for Scratch on 23rd
  • State and FAA Grants Secured to Complete GA Master Plan and North Ramp Redevelopment
  • First Specialized Aviation Service Operator Opened – Seahawk Aviation
  • Completed LED Upgrade Projects 1) Main Terminal and 2) all Taxiways
  • Provided Important Customer Service Initiatives
    • New Art Gallery (Partnership with the Arts Council)
    • Putting Green
    • Car Seat Inspection Station (1st airport in NC)
  • Important 2016 Stats:
    • $1.6 Billion in Economic Impact (up from $641 Million)
    • 106 Based Airplanes (up from 99)
    • Exceeded 2015 Enplanements and Total Passengers
Community Turns Out to Celebrate the
Opening of a New Art Gallery at ILM

The Wilmington International Airport (ILM) and The Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County have embarked upon a new collaboration to showcase the arts in Southeastern North Carolina. ILM has dedicated a space in the airport as a gallery; showcasing local artists.  The Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County is curating the art exhibition.

The groups held an opening reception in December to kick-off the partnership and highlight the inaugural exhibit. Staff, volunteers, artists, community members, and elected officials came together to celebrate the new partnership.  The inaugural installation, “Flight”, features various interpretations on the theme by some of the region’s best-known artists including: Judy Hintz Cox, Kristen Crouch, Elizabeth Darrow, Dumay Gorham, Janette Hopper, Joan McLoughlin, Randy McNamara, Sean Ruttkay, and Michael Van Hout.  Gabriel Lovejoy led The Arts Council’s curatorial team for the first installation.

“Art activates space.  By creating an exhibition area, ILM creates another point of interest for its travelers and helps showcase our region as an arts destination,” said Rhonda Bellamy, Executive Director of the Arts Council.  Travelers and residents will have the opportunity to enjoy the artwork displayed as part of “Flight” through late winter.

Toshiba Moves Into Flex Building

Toshiba Business Solutions is Open for Business! The company occupies a 1,500 square foot end unit in ILM Business Park’s Flex Building; utilizing the space as Toshiba Business Solutions’ (TBS) headquarters in Wilmington, N.C. TBS offers a wide range of products, from high-speed color MFPs to super-efficient black and white printers to scanners and fax machines.TBS, the direct sales operation of Toshiba America Business Solutions, chose to relocate to the flex building because of its proximity to major interstate highways and ILM Airport, enabling the company to better serve its clients. Welcome Toshiba!

Flex Space Now Available

Located Across from the VA Medical Center (with 230+ employees) and in the ILM Business Park at the Wilmington International Airport (serving over 820,000 passengers in 2016!) the ILM Business Park’s Flex Building offers flexible site layouts in a prime location! Tenants include:Toshiba Business Solutions and a deli & bakery- Scratch on 23rd! This location is ideal for those seeking convenient access to air, rail, and major interstates.

Schedule a Viewing!

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Snap a pic while traveling and hashtag #flyILM for your chance to be featured!

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✈Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign ?Wilmington International Airport ?Nikon D80 with a nikkor 18-200mm lense ILM➡DA
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