Ask Peoria Station (& PIA - A History Update)

My last "Ask Peoria Station" was posted March 30, 2024. 

So I guess it is way past time to do another. As always, If I don't know an answer off hand, I'll find one. But what I really wanted to write here is an update on my "PIA - A History" series. I haven't posted one in a long time. 

December 28, 2022 to be exact. Events of the year 2002 were covered. I lack complete airline schedules for specific a month in 2003, and obtaining them is usually costly these days. Airlines quit publishing paper timetables some years ago, and vendors who have them tend to price them with great pride. I get that, but I am not wealthy. I am glad I purchased what I did, when I did. 

But I do intend to continue posting this series. Bear with me. It takes time and research. I will create a slide show using images from the Prairie Air Show on July 5, 2003. Amazingly, the public spectator show area that weekend bordered the terminal apron, so commercial airliner activity was easily photographed. I  have already scanned prints of the event, but need to add audio as YouTube apparently won't monetize mere slide shows. Keep in mind that voice narration can be time-consuming.

The Peoria Journal Star featured a regular column on local transportation. While frequent, so much information was repetitive. The writer did not always understand the industry, and the dearth of coverage in recent years requires alternate sources of information. 

Perhaps the motivation to complete the series has dried up? History is a review of changes, but more recent history may seem not so far removed that there is a no desire to review it. The year 2003, however, was sort of a transition period for PIA. Post-9/11 financial problems plaguing the airline industry led to cutbacks. Peoria lost big in 2003, but new trends would reverse the situation in 2004. The 2008-2009 financial crisis/"Great Recession" and COVID lockdowns bruised the airline industry badly, but only temporarily. PIA always demonstrated resilience, and passenger volume always recovers.  

So there is history to review, even in our current century/millenium. 

- David P. Jordan