The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport broke a record in May. It had the highest boardings for any May in history, said President and CEO April Cameron. That number exceeded boardings from May a year ago by 10 percent with 61,545 enplanements. Deplanements were close behind with 60,124 in May, and landing weights were up 19 percent. Cargo was also up by 47 percent. That large increase was temporary, however, because cargo was diverted to Chattanooga from another airport where work was being done.

The seat capacity for flights leaving CHA is also higher now because in May American added seat capacity with larger planes on some of its daily flights to Dallas-Fort Worth. And United added a seasonal Saturday flight to Denver through October . That first flight left Chattanooga with only one open seat. Airport officials hope that the success of these flights might lead to others on a daily basis. Those additional seats have offset the capacity that was lost with the shutdown of Spirit Airlines. Ms. Cameron said, "We are very pleased with seat capacity now. We just have to fill them. Seat availability is tracked and social media is used to promote the capacity and fill empty seats."

"That’s a strong report," commented Board Chairman Jim Hall.

From 5-7a.m. each day there are 10 planes scheduled to leave the airport. In that two-hour period 500-600 people will be departing and lines will be long, said Ms. Cameron. She encourages passengers to arrive at the airport early. If lines do form, the airport uses facilitators to move those in line forward, if needed, to keep people from missing flights. This is one way the airport provides a better experience for passengers.

Construction of various projects around the airport, such as replacement of a snow removal building, rehabilitation of a runway apron, and installing new flooring and painting in the baggage claim area, has not disrupted airport operations, but the shortage of parking has been a problem. Ms. Cameron said the new parking deck that is under construction was planned “just in time.” The steel structure is up and the concrete floor for the first level has been installed. The floor of the second level has been started. Completion is expected to be in early 2027. Also ongoing is expanding office areas that should be finished by December. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthy Places playground, that will have an aviation theme and will be for the use of travelers as well as nearby neighbors, is scheduled to be finished in early spring or late winter. And it will include an observation area.

The board approved several actions that include entering into a contract with Bridge Public Affairs, which will work for the airport in the capacity of lobbyist. The contract is until June 1, 2027, at a cost of $7,000 a month. Continuing to work with USI insurance brokers was also approved. USI has worked in that capacity for 13-14 years and the new agreement will be for two years with the option to renew for another year. at the cost of $44,218 for the first of those two years.