ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — With passenger traffic up in the past year, Green Bay’s airport is expanding it service with more flights and larger aircraft.
Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) reports passenger traffic rose 14.2% in 2022 over 2021.
“It’s good to see people return to travel,” said airport director Marty Piette. “Planes leaving GRB are averaging 90% full – which is a very substantial percentage.”
In response to the increased demand, airlines are increasing flight frequency and plane size.
Starting next month, Delta will be using a larger, multiclass aircraft for one of its GRB flights to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Depending on the aircraft version used, capacity ranges from 126 to 162 seats.
Also in February, Frontier will resume nonstop service from GRB to Denver International Airport (DEN), making that service available 11 months of the year.
And in March, Delta will be adding a third daily flight to another one of its hubs, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. The plane used will be upgraded to a CRJ 900, seating 76 passengers.
“Detroit is a quick and easy connection for those flying to the east coast,” stated Piette. “Flights to Detroit have consistently been full, so it’s good to see another flight added.”
Brown County executive Troy Streckenbach said the increase in air travel is good news for all area residents. “Even if you are not a traveler, the economic impact of travel is substantial. It’s not only the front door to our community, but one of our economic engines, with local businesses ranging from hotels to gas stations to restaurants and tourist attractions benefiting from travelers.”
