High demand brings big momentum, bigger jets to The Central Nebraska Regional Airport

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. - The Central Nebraska Regional Airport is celebrating the arrival of larger jets that recently began flying to Dallas.

The upgrade to bigger aircraft comes after months of high demand with the airport averaging a 90% load factor, and continuing to break enplanement records.

That growth also earned the airport a recent honor by being named Business of the Year by the Grand Island Chamber and Economic Development Corporation.

"Six out of the eight months that we've completed so far this year, we've had record months. We are tracking 15% above last year, and we're tracking to break the old overall annual employment number from 2019. So I expect a record year," said Airport Director Mike Olson.

Olson added that the support reaches far beyond Grand Island, with travelers coming in from all over the Midwest.

Officials added that conversations about further expansion of air service are ongoing, but for now, the bigger jets are a sign of positive momentum for the airport.