Mining the Data Continued from page 39 Trends by Airport Size Breaking down the TOP 500 airports into tiers, the 2019 growth rates for air- ports of comparable size are apparent. Tier Jet Rank Range 2019 TOP 500 by Tier 1 2 1-100 0.5% -19% 35% 3 4 5 101-200 201-300 301-400 401-500 Jet Movements 2,244,140 689,325 387,948 257,121 165,390 ‘18 to ‘19 Change Lowest Change Highest Change 0.4% -31% 45% Turbine Movements ‘18 to ‘19 Change Lowest Change Highest Change Piston Movements ‘18 to ‘19 Change Lowest Change Highest Change 230,900 150,881 155,935 -6.7% -61% 40% -5.5% -48% 123% 0.0% -50% 70% 85,968 -1.8% -39% 57% 65,036 -6.4% -85% 77% Also, using the airport-by-airport analyses following this article, local and regional comparisons can help airports and FBOs determine ranking according to any desired geographic area. Mining the Data in Southern Alabama Let’s put the data to work at a specific airport. Jack Edwards Airport (JKA) is located on the gulf coast of southern Alabama and ranked #269 for 2019 in the middle of Tier 3. With 2019 jet activity up 7.0%, JKA grew substantially above the 0.4% average of Tier 3. Regional comparators are Mobile Regional (MOB), Mobile Downtown (BFM), and Pensacola (PNS), averaging a 2019 growth rate of 2.3% for jet activity. That means, the region is outpacing national growth, and that JKA grew at more than double the regional rate. A great time to be in the FBO business in the deep south! 538,265 308,795 242,643 160,839 109,298 -2.0% -26% 58% 1.4% -35% 53% -3.3% -41% 54% -4.1% -49% 62% -2.0% -64% 146% 0.4% -21% 27% 2.6% -16% 143% 1.8% -28% 63% METHODOLOGY NOTES The activity data is available at FAA.gov and the TFMSC database for “Airports”. The data is filtered to include “Business Aviation” (this eliminates other activity like airlines and flight training) and grouped by “Physical Class”, i.e., Jet, Turbine and Piston. Mark Chambers is Managing Partner of Aviation Resource Group International (“ARGI”), a firm specializing in developing and managing transactions involving aviation service businesses for over 40 years. Prior to partnering with ARGI’s founder Steve Dennis, Mark worked in a progression of senior management positions leading FBO services, Part 145 maintenance & avionics opera- tions, and Part 135 charter and a/c management operations. He holds airman ratings up to ATP and has flown 3,600 hours as PIC in both Part 91 and 135 opera- tions, in experimental aircraft, and as a flight instructor. Mr. Chambers soloed on his 16th birthday and began his aviation career as a lineman. See argi. com for ARGI expertise, transac- tion experience, and publications. 40 Aviation Business Journal | Spring 2020
