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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW RCC selects new president: Kemper-Pelle of Texas ... Eight Abdill students stuck in elevator while smoke rises in Century Building ... Man sues for $332,675 after confrontation with llama ... RCC selects new president: Kemper-Pelle of Texas ... Eight Abdill students stuck in elevator while smoke rises in Century Building ... Man sues for $332,675 after confrontation with llama ... Another month, another record at Medford airport Airport sets passenger record for 18th consecutive month Comment By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Follow @@GregMTBusiness MailTribune.com By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Follow @@GregMTBusiness Posted Mar. 10, 2016 at 4:43 PM By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Follow @@GregMTBusiness Posted Mar. 10, 2016 at 4:43 PM » Social News The Medford airport had never come close to seeing 50,000 passengers during February until last month. The Jackson County operated airport saw an 11.2 percent surge in commercial air travel in February, as 52,784 people passed through the gates, surpassing the previous record of 47,473 a year ago. "I was hoping for that much, but I wasn't really expecting it," said airport Director Bern Case. "Usually, February is a little slower, but we had the advantage of an extra day this year." United Express, which flies routes to Denver and San Francisco, saw the biggest jump, climbing 20.5 percent above its 2015 numbers as it took advantage of the regional jets that replaced smaller prop flights to the Bay Area. Delta Connection saw an 18.1 percent pick-up for service to its Salt Lake City hub. Alaska Airlines, which handles more than half of the airport's passengers, recorded a 6.5 percent increase, while Allegiant Air grew its count 4.8 percent. On average, an extra day during peak seasons might add another 2,000 passengers, Case said. But the old mark was topped by more than 5,000 as the airport reeled off its 18th-straight record month. "I know people plan out their travel ahead, but it appears the economy is edging back, and I'm glad our strength is holding on," Case said. The longest string of record months ran from December 2003 through February 2006. The airport currently has 18 daily departures, up two from a year ago, Case said. "We're probably flying about 85 percent capacity," he said. "We're close to getting someone to add more service, and Alaska has an additional flight, which is nice." In another matter, Case said the airport recently was able to lower its bonded debt, which will save more than $4.8 million over the next 21-plus years. He said a combination of the airport's high credit rating, low 10-year Treasury Bond rates and the lack of Oregon Municipal Paper in the market led to the favorable conditions. Reach reporter Greg Stiles at 541-776-4463 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GregMTBusiness , and read his blog at www.mailtribune.com/Economic Edge. By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Follow @@GregMTBusiness MailTribune.com By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Follow @@GregMTBusiness Posted Mar. 10, 2016 at 4:43 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501