Introduction

A Word From Our Director

Everyone likes to get a pat on the back or otherwise get recognized for trying to do a good job.

“ One of the things we work towards day in and day out is to ensure our passengers enjoy a first-class experience at our airport from beginning to end.

We think we do a good job at that, and we have been satisfied knowing that others feel that way too.

In 2021, we were formally and finally recognized for our efforts by being named the #1 airport in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. That was a pat on the back like no other. This recognition significantly elevated the sense of pride our employees, stakeholders and community have for our airport. In short, that made our year.

The Condé Nast recognition was huge, but that was not all that happened. The year started with Rolls Royce opening a new service center here at the airport in support of Gulfstream Aerospace. Shortly thereafter, Southwest Airlines launched service to five destinations, which is something we had been working on for over fifteen years. It took a while, but we believe Southwest will tell you they made the right decision. The added service further diversified our airline market share distribution, which is very beneficial for those who use this airport. Furthermore, it has helped us make the argument that we have adequate airlift to support large group conventions and to help attract new businesses to the area.

In addition to our air service successes, we also saw strong growth in business and general aviation as well as air cargo. Plans have been put in place for expansion and investment in each of these areas which are critical to our airport. Fortunately, we closed the year in a very strong financial position to support our capital expansion program in the coming years. We hope this and our continued focus on customer service will help us remain the #1 airport in the U.S.

Gregory B. Kelly, A.A.E.

Executive Director

A Word From Our Chairman

It was a stellar year for Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. Southwest Airlines initiated service, several other carriers added new direct services, Rolls Royce opened their new manufacturing facility, and Signature and Sheltair announced plans for growth. We saw very strong revenues, our expansion plans are moving forward, and we were voted the #1 airport in the U.S. by Condé Nast Travel Readers.

“ We are well positioned to support the growing aviation needs of our region,

which includes the South Carolina Lowcountry, Coastal Georgia from Savannah to the Golden Isles, and our surrounding inland counties from West Chatham up the I-16 Corridor and down I-95 toward Glynn County. The growth and development in these areas has been significant and will continue to increase exponentially.

It is with this in mind that the Commission authorized an ambitious capital expansion program across every aspect of the airport. As you will note in this report, our financial position is very strong and gives us confidence that our decision to move aggressively is correct.

On behalf of my fellow Commissioners, I thank our tremendous staff, our business partners, and all who frequent our airport for helping us achieve Condé Nast’s #1 airport ranking. We look forward to 2022 being another great year.

Stephen S. Green

Chairman