One of the little known facts about Albany, Georgia is that it has its own local airport run through Atlantic Southeast Airlines. While this isn’t the main airport, it is a small hub that brings in mainly business visitors to the area. This small branch is located on Newton Road off of Oak Haven Road. Passing by, you might not think many planes even flew in and out of this airport. However, flights are coming in and out daily, even during these times that are a bit leaner for many airline companies.

Because the Albany branch of the ASA is mainly a business hub, according to the station manager, Lacey Robinson, it doesn’t do much local advertising. Instead, it markets to businesses along with the main branch of the ASA and takes its direction from the main branch.

The economic downturn has had far-reaching consequences throughout the country. This is no less true in southern Georgia. “Of course, we’ve seen a decline,” says Ms. Robinson when asked whether or not the economy has affected the Albany branch of the ASA. This could be attributed to the fact that businesses are cutting back on expenses such as travel. However, the station has held up very well in spite of the economy.

During most of the year, business travelers form the bulk of the business of the Albany airport. The flights in and out are scheduled by the larger ASA organization. Most of them hold travelers who are suited and ready for business meetings, many of whom take day trips to the southern Georgia area.

Ms. Robinson noted that June, July, and August are the busiest months of the year for the Albany ASA airport. During these times, the bulk of the company’s business still comes from business travelers. However, right now the planes are starting to fill up with leisure travelers and vacationers from across the country looking to enjoy the sun and heat in Georgia.  The extra business is a boon to the Albany station and helps it get through the rest of the year, as well.

However, Ms. Robinson says, “Through the year, we count on our business travelers.” This is the kind of business that needs to run on a tight budget throughout the year in order to survive the leaner months. The economy has made this even more a necessity. Now, ASA Albany has to be especially careful with the extra money that it brings in during this season so that it will last throughout the fall, winter, and spring.

The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in April has apparently not affected this station, luckily. Ms. Robinson said that the station has seen less traffic, comparatively, since the beginning of the economic decline. However, there hasn’t been any noticeable difference in business since the oil spill. Many of the businesses in Albany have been somewhat affected by the disaster, so this station has been lucky.

As station manager, Ms. Robinson takes care of all the day to day operations of this station. The main corporation of ASA, though, works with all the scheduling for this small airport. Many local people may not even be aware that this small airport exists. Although the airport’s business hasn’t taken a huge hit because of the economy, it will depend on business traffic over the next few months to continue to sustain itself. Like many other businesses across the country, ASA Albany will be working hard to build up business in spite of slight declines.