Albany, NY (January 18, 2001) - - - The Albany International Airport broke all previous records for passenger traffic during 2000. Figures released today show that 1,440,437 individuals boarded planes at the Airport during 2000, and increase of 22.5 % over 1999. The Airports previous record of 1,178,275 enplanements was set in 1991.

Enplanements began to soar in May when Southwest Airlines, the nation's premier low-fare carrier began serving Albany International Airport. Since launching service, Southwest's enplanements totaled 204,699 or 14% of the Airport's enplanements during the year 2000.

"The addition of Southwest Airlines is clearly responsible for the surge in passenger traffic and reduced fares at Albany International Airport," said Rev. Michael A. Farano, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority. "This has been a great year for the Airport and an extraordinary year for travelers who choose the Albany International Airport."

Along with Southwest, Air Canada and Continental Connection joined the Albany International Airport fleet during the year. Air Canada flies a non-stop route to Toronto. Continental Connection offers commuter flights throughout New York and New England.

All of the Airport's airlines, except Delta, posted increases in enplanements during 2000. Delta's decrease of 1% was due to the airline's decision to discontinue its Delta Express flight to Orlando.

Air Canada (4/3/00)	+ 100%
American	+ 6%
American Eagle/Business Express	+ 2%
Continental	+ 8%
Continental Connection (12/2/00)	+ 100%
Delta-Delta Express	- 1%
Northwest	+ 28%
United & United Express	+ 24%
US Airways & Express	+ 2%

While passenger traffic was increasing during 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 average fare dropped from $186 to $144 in during the second quarter of 2000, the period during which Southwest Airlines began operating at Albany. The figures were released by the U.S. Department of Transportation which monitors the cost of flying at the nation's airports. The report showed Albany with lower fares than all the other upstate airports, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse.

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