off the runway at ILM during a training flight. All three occupants survived but the aircraft was written off. On October 4, 1975, a twin-engine Cessna 310 (N29560) piloted by 28-year-old Vietnam War veteran Joseph Michael Farkas and arriving from Charlotte, crashed short of the field after running out of fuel. The flight was carrying professional wrestling figures associated with Jim Crockett Promotions who were enroute to a card at Legion Stadium: promoter David Crockett and wrestlers Bobby Bruggers, Ric Flair, Johnny Valentine (then U.S. heavyweight champion, the promotion's top singles championship) and Tim Woods. While Farkas died after spending two months in a coma at New Hanover County Hospital, all of his passengers survived with various injuries. On April 23, 1987, a Swearingen Metro II operating a cargo flight for Air-Lift Commuter suffered an engine failure on takeoff at ILM and crashed, killing both occupants. On May 4, 1990, a GAF Nomad arriving from Raleigh-Durham crashed on approach to runway 34, killing both occupants. Airlines and destinations Passenger Cargo Statistics Top destinations Other operations As of January 31, 2022, 107 aircraft were based at the airport. There was 67 single engine aircraft, 11 multi-engine aircraft, 21 jet engine aircraft, and 8 helicopters. For the year ending January 31, 2022, the airport had 78,237 operations, an average of 214 per day: 14% air carrier, 14% air taxi, 55% general aviation, and 17% military. Charter services include Air Wilmington, which has its own dedicated building. There are also several private and public hangars. A new international customs station was completed in 2008. As of June 13, 2022, there are two Fixed Base Operators providing handling services to business aviation. Recent and future improvements Wilmington International Airport is undergoing many improvements and additions to attract more business and to improve passengers' travel experience. The airport has built a new terminal to be used by United States Customs and Border Protection to process passengers from international flights. It has also built a new Visual Approach Slope Indicator ILS for Runway 24. The airport has recently upgraded its outdated ventilation system with a new, more efficient system in the main terminal. In 2006, the FAA Airport Improvement Program awarded Wilmington International Airport $10,526,342. $3 million was allocated to improve runway safety areas, and $7,526,342 was allocated to expand the airport's apron area, rehabilitate Runway 6/24, and rehabilitate Taxiways B, C, and E. Runway 6/24