Olive Branch airport is taking off | News

Air traffic is steadily increasing at the Olive Branch airport for the first time since the recession hit.

On average, there are 230 takeoffs and landings happening each day at the OB airport.  

Pre-recession, nearly 315 take-offs and landings were occuring daily and after the recession, it took a nose dive to a mere 170 a day.

Grant Bales, chief instructor at Air Venture, says that flight school is driving up traffic numbers.

"We have a steady flow of student pilots," said Bales.

The students pilots are learning on an airstrip that is considered of national importance.

"Olive Branch is very strategically located," said Bales.

The Olive Branch airport is identified on the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Airport Manager, David Taylor, predicts clearer skies ahead for the airport's business.

"It's poised and ready to grow again," he said.