Albany, NY (January 4, 2000) --- Airfares at Albany International Airport decreased by 22.5 percent during the second quarter of 2000 compared to the same period in 1999. The figures were released by the U.S. Department of Transportation, which monitors the cost of flying at the nation's airports.

The average fare from Albany International Airport dropped from $186 to $144 in second quarter of 2000, the period during which Southwest Airlines began operating at Albany. During that same period, passenger traffic at the Airport increased by 22 percent.

The report showed Albany with lower fares than all the other upstate airports, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse.

"This is clear evidence that the presence of Southwest Airlines has stimulated competition and reduced the cost of flying from Albany International Airport," said Reverend Michael A. Farano, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority. "The lower fares have resulted in considerable savings to the businesses that depend on air travel and to families that are first-time or frequent flyers."

The DOT quarterly report showed the Albany-Baltimore flight with the most significant fare reduction. The price of a one-way ticket to Baltimore dropped to an average of $63, a decreased of 69 percent. During the same period in 1999, a ticket from Albany to Baltimore cost an average of $204.

"The increased competition has resulted in all airlines at the Airport benefiting from the boost in passenger traffic and the lower fares continue to draw passengers from as far away as 150 miles," said Rev. Farano. "2000 will be a record-breaking year for the Airport."

The average one-way fare from Albany to Los Angeles dropped from $333 to $184, a savings of 45%. Fares were also lower on other popular routes including Albany-Chicago, Albany-Orlando, Albany-Tampa, Albany-Las Vegas and Albany-Atlanta.

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