“Customers are using Logan more than they ever did, which is great news for everyone,’’ said Edward Freni, director of aviation for the Massachusetts Port Authority, which runs Logan. “The more passengers you have, that generates more revenue.’’
While the final numbers for December have not yet been compiled, Massport projects that 28.8 million passengers will have flown in and out of Logan this year, up 5 percent from 2010. The previous high in Boston was 28.1 million passengers, set in 2007, which was followed by a 7 percent drop in passengers in 2008.
The banner year at Logan is another sign that Boston’s travel and tourism industry is rebounding from the recent recession. The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority reported that 2012 will be the best year for conventions since 2007, based on booked events. The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau projects a record number of overseas visitors next year.
During the Big Dig, Logan was losing market share to T.F. Green and Manchester. Both those airports drew passengers who wanted to fly Southwest and avoid the traffic nightmares caused by road construction. But those advantages came to an end when the megaproject was completed and Southwest came to Logan.
Henry Helgeson was one of the frequent travelers who strayed to T.F. Green and Manchester but is now a loyal Logan flier. The shops, free Wi-Fi, and new carriers such as Virgin America have made flying out of Boston easier, he said.
“I can’t count the number of times that I’ve been delayed and been able to continue working at Logan as if I was still in my office,’’ said Helgeson, president of the Boston credit card processing company Merchant Warehouse Inc.
Passenger numbers at T.F. Green and Manchester hit record highs in 2005, but have been declining ever since. When final figures for 2011 are compiled, Providence officials expect a slight decline from last year, less than 1 percent, to 3.93 million, while Manchester projects a 4 percent decrease to 2.7 million.
These passenger declines are less severe than in years past. At Manchester, for example, traffic fell nearly 14 percent in 2009, and T.F. Green had a 9 percent drop in 2010.
