Albany, New York (July 25, 2000) - - - Passenger traffic at Albany International Airport continues to set new records in June. Enplanements, the number of individuals boarding aircraft, increase by 38,492, the largest one-month increase in the Airport's history. Total enplanements during June were 134,786, and increase of 40 percent over June of 1999.

"We're seeing a significant number of business travelers and families coming from Syracuse, Plattsburgh, northern Vermont and the lower Hudson Valley," said Rev. Farano. "They are telling us they are driving to Albany because our fares are lower than they can get near home."

The lower fares have increased the Albany International Airport's catchment area to more than 150 miles with some individuals traveling up to three hours to take advantage of lower ticket prices.

The increase in passenger traffic was driven substantially by the arrival of Southwest Airlines. Southwest brought an additional 25,290 passengers to the Airport during June, or 65 percent of the overall increase.

Total passengers boarding for the Airport's other major airlines increased and average of 13.7 percent with United Express logging the largest gain with a 42 percent increase over June of 1999. Of the remaining major carriers, Northwest was up 36 percent, American up 23 percent, Delta/Delta Express up 22 percent and US Airways/Express up by 8 percent.

"A new level of competition between airlines has resulted in lower fares and substantial travel bargains for the business and leisure travelers flying to and from Albany," said Rev. Michael A. Farano, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority. "When you analyze the numbers, you find that each of our major airlines has enjoyed a substantial increase in passengers.

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