Albany, NY (June 5, 2001) - - - Rev. Michael A. Farano, chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority, announced today that airfares on the top-ten flights to and from Albany International Airport declined by 16 percent during the 4th quarter of 2000 when compared to the same period in 1999. The average fare to Albany's top ten locations declined by $30. The figures are provided to the Airport by the U.S. Department of Transportation, which monitors the prices airlines charge for tickets.

"This continues the positive downward trend of Albany's airfares that we began to witness with the arrival of Southwest Airlines last May," said Rev. Farano. "Competition is working to reduce the price that business and leisure travelers pay to fly to and from the Capital Region."

Albany International Airport fares declined by 22.5 percent during the second quarter of 2000 and by 18 percent during the third quarter of the year according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The Albany-Baltimore flight saw the greatest decline in ticket prices during the 4th quarter, dropping by 66.8 percent for an average decrease of $117 per ticket. Other popular destinations also saw substantial decreases in fares. The following are examples:

	Average Fair
	1999	2000	%
Chicago	$205	$161	-21%
Dallas	$255	$208	-18%
Washington	$163	$149	-9%
Ft. Lauderdale	$119	$114	-4%
Las Vegas	$178	$140	-21%
Cleveland	$228	$190	-16%

Albany's new fare structure has also resulted in significant savings for passengers traveling to the West Coast. The following are examples:

	Average Fair
	1999	2000	%
Los Angeles	$216	$161	-25%
Phoenix	$207	$148	-28%
San Diego	$207	$152	-26%
San Jose	$269	$175	-35%
Seattle	$228	$156	-31%
Oakland	$272	$162	-40%

The Department of Transportation reported airfares on Albany's top 100 destinations declined an average of 11.9 percent or $21 during the 4th quarter of 2000.

Enplanements at Albany International Airport increased by 22.5 percent during 2000 to a record 1,442,867. Enplanements continue to increase during 2001 with April's figures showing a 34.7 percent increase over 2000.

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