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Tampa airport's revenue down

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By TED JACKOVICS

tjackovics@tampatrib.com

Published: July 3, 2009

TAMPA - The economy continues to take a toll on Tampa International Airport, where gross concessions revenue in May declined 8.7 percent to $33.6 million, compared with a year ago, a report released Thursday shows.

That compares with a 10.8 percent decline in departing passengers in May to 729,629.

Concession revenue is important to travelers and the airport. Leases and other nonaviation revenue sources account for 74 percent of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority's annual revenue.

That keeps the airlines' share for landing fees and terminal leases relatively low, enticing carriers to maintain and expand service locally, which promotes competition and lower airfares.

TIA ranked 25th lowest in fares among the top 250 U.S. markets in 2008, with an average fare, including round trips, of $258 versus $302 for all airports.

Parking revenue, the airport's largest income segment, fell in May by 18.4 percent to $4.3 million, compared with a year ago. Meanwhile, revenue at the airport Marriott hotel declined 29.3 percent to $1.2 million.

Carrabba's restaurant, which replaced The Wharf in the main terminal in December, reported $281,456 in revenue, compared with $134,762 by The Wharf a year ago.

The airport's food and beverage revenue fell 6.6 percent to $4.2 million. Merchandise revenue dropped 2.6 percent to $2.3 million, and car rentals dropped 5.8 percent to $20.9 million.

The poor economy has helped TIA in one way. Contractors continue to do projects for less than what airport officials expected. An example is a taxiway reconstruction to be completed this summer at a cost of $20.7 million, compared with original budget expectations of $31.5 million.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817.

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