FLYING
HIGHER
2023 ANNUAL REPORT
HIGHER THAN EVER BEFORE.
OUR PASSENGER COUNT PEAKED IN 2023
We continued to see strong passenger demand, with our passenger count breaking records multiple times during the year.
FLYING ABOVE THE CLOUDS.
GOING BEYOND EXPECTATIONS.
In 2023, we celebrated new milestones, welcomed new services, and made significant progress on major airport developments.
GOING THE EXTRA MILE.
FOR A GREENER TOMORROW.
Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV) continued its commitments to the environment and sustainability.
MESSAGE FROM
OUR LEADERS
Each year we tell ourselves that there is no way the following year will be as busy as the year we just went through. And each year we find out that it is as busy, if not busier, than the previous year. Well, 2023 was no exception.
When we say busy, we don’t just mean more passengers and flights. We mean busy across all aspects of the airport. Certainly, the passenger growth was there as we set a new all-time enplanement record of 1.95 million for the year. SAV was once again one of the fastest-growing airports in the US in terms of passenger activity and this growth is expected to continue.
With this in mind, we began executing several projects in 2023 to help us stay in front of the demands on our facilities. These projects include a new security checkpoint facility, which is now expected to be completed in the 3rd quarter of 2024. At the same time, we finalized the design of another terminal building addition, which will add four new gates. This project will be underway in the 3rd quarter of 2024. These gates will allow us to accommodate additional flights that the airlines indicated they would like to bring here. In addition to growing the terminal building, we completed the design of a new 1,000-space surface parking lot to help address our overflow parking needs, and we began the conceptual design of a new 2,000-space parking deck to help us be in a position to meet our anticipated needs over the next several years.
Beyond the Terminal
As I indicated, there is much more to this airport than the activity related to the terminal building and commercial flight activity. SAV is a huge campus of aviation and aeronautical activity involving air cargo, general aviation, business aviation, military aviation, aircraft manufacturing, aircraft maintenance, fixed base operations, and aeronautical support activities. In 2023 we saw a lot of development and activity in most of those areas.
One of the most challenging projects was, and is, the redevelopment of the Southeast Quadrant of the airport. This project is well underway and has allowed for a major Gulfstream Aerospace expansion, a new general aviation campus for Signature Aviation, the development of a new Rolls Royce Aircraft Engine facility, and a new CAE Flight Training facility. Much of this work took place over the course of 2023. We also saw additional growth in the Southwest Quadrant of the airport with Sheltair announcing plans for yet another large hangar and a substantial addition to their apron space. In air cargo, UPS began service in 2023 setting up operations on the new air cargo apron, adjacent to which the new air cargo complex will be built beginning in Q3 2024. This new complex design was completed in late 2023. Fortunately, we generated all-time record revenues and received over $14 million in AIP grants in 2023. Those dollars are being put to good use paying for all of this growth.
As you can see, 2023 was an incredibly busy and challenging year for us yet again. As busy as ever. Maybe next year things will slow down.
Reflecting on the past year, I am honored to extend my gratitude and congratulations to each member of the SAV family. The successes and milestones achieved throughout the year stand as a testament to the collective effort and resilience of our team.
2023 was a historic year marked by unparalleled growth and achievement. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport witnessed record-breaking statistics, setting an all-time high of nearly 3.9 million passengers. This remarkable feat reaffirms our position as a leader in the industry.
SAV has been honored as the #1 U.S. Airport in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for the fourth consecutive year. And our inclusion among the Top 10 Domestic Airports in the Travel + Leisure 2023 World’s Best Awards further validates our relentless pursuit of satisfaction among every individual who travels through our airport.
To meet the demands of our evolving industry and growing region, we’ve launched several strategic projects, from the expansion of our terminal building to the development of a new parking structure. Each initiative is poised to enhance the passenger experience and accommodate future growth.
Our endeavors extend beyond the walls of our facility. SAV stands as a hub of aviation and aeronautical activity. The redevelopment of the Southeast Quadrant heralds a new era of growth, facilitating expansions from industry leaders such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Signature Aviation, Rolls Royce Aircraft Engine, and CAE Flight Training. This, coupled with the commencement of UPS air cargo operations, will help foster a diverse and thriving aviation ecosystem.
I reiterate my appreciation to the SAV team that never fails to come together to get things done. As we look forward to the opportunities and challenges that await us in the coming year, let us remain steadfast in our pursuit of excellence and innovation.
SKY HIGH
STATISTICS
AIRLINE
MARKET SHARE
PASSENGER
STATISTICS
LOAD FACTOR
ENPLANEMENTS
DEPLANEMENTS
AVAILABLE SEATS
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 83% | 1,944,791 | 1,952,741 | 2,347,782 |
| 2022 | 82% | 1,765,312 | 1,767,982 | 2,144,034 |
| 2021 | 76% | 1,393,720 | 1,387,189 | 1,837,415 |
| 2020 | 58% | 598,096 | 601,899 | 1,026,397 |
| 2019 | 79% | 1,502,974 | 1,518,103 | 1,903,143 |
| 2018 | 79% | 1,395,040 | 1,404,486 | 1,768,310 |
| 2017 | 82% | 1,229,083 | 1,234,358 | 1,504,029 |
| 2016 | 82% | 1,089,222 | 1,101,184 | 1,333,669 |
| 2015 | 84% | 1,017,067 | 1,010,200 | 1,214,269 |
| 2014 | 82% | 963,385 | 953,176 | 1,172,334 |
| 2013 | 79% | 823,494 | 963,385 | 1,041,740 |
HIGHER
THAN BEFORE.
Our passenger count peaked in 2023 with the largest number of travelers we’ve seen.
TOTAL PASSENGERS
TOTAL CARGO
9,116.3 TONS
AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS
111,948
BIRD’S-EYE VIEW OF
2023 OPERATING REVENUE
GOING BEYOND EXPECTATIONS
AIR SERVICE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ADDS NONSTOP
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE (ILG)
FLIGHTS
GOING THE EXTRA MILE
FOR A GREENER TOMORROW.
SAV is committed to the environment and sustainability.
GREEN
INITIATIVES
In addition to these initiatives, SAV’s Environmental Services team uses green chemicals for disinfectants, neutral cleaners, and carpet chemicals, while tenant scrubbers use environmentally-friendly green technology.
AWARDS
& ACCOLADES
#1 U.S. Airport
Condé Nast Traveler
2023 Readers’ Choice Awards
#7 Top Domestic Airport
Travel + Leisure
2023 World’s Best Awards
Annual Comprehensive Financial Report Award
Government Finance Officers’ Association
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
COMMISSION
MEMBERS
FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
Provided through the link below are the financial statements of the Savannah/Hilton Head International for the year endingDecember 31, 2023. These financial statements are provided by management and are for information only. They have not been audited.
THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS
ARE BEING PROVIDED:
• Statements of Net Position
• Statements of Revenues, Expenses & Changes in Net Position
Questions concerning the financial statements and any other information provided should be directed to:
Gregory B. Kelly, A.A.E. Executive Director
Savannah Airport Commission
400 Airways Avenue · Savannah, GA 31408 · (912) 964-0514 · flySAV.com