Albany, NY (August 9, 2001) - - - Albany International Airport recorded its busiest July ever during 2001. A total of 158,137 travelers boarded planes at the Airport during July, an increase of 2.8% over 2000.

Total passenger traffic at Albany International Airport during the first seven months of 2001 rose to 925,881, an 18.3% increase over the same period during 2000.

"Albany International Airport continues to offer low fares and additional destinations that have made it possible for a growing number of individuals and families to take to the air and leave their cars at home," said Rev. Michael A. Farano, chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority. "Our determination to reduce fares and improve service now places Albany among the lowest-priced airports in the country."

The U.S Department of Transportation's latest survey of the nation's top 1,000 city-pair markets placed Albany as #2 in average per-mile-cost of flying on 11 key routes. Albany's cost-per-mile was 12.2 cents, compared to Syracuse at 22.2 cents, Buffalo at 15.8 cents and Rochester at 29.2 cents.

US Airways accounted for the largest total increase in Airport passengers during July with 4,752 more passengers served this July compared to last year. US Airways remains in the leading position carrying 27.7% of all Albany passengers. US Airways Express, the airline's commuter division, carriers 7.4% of all Albany passengers.

Southwest Airlines' enplanements increased 1,912 or 6.6% to 31,091 passengers in July. Southwest began service to Albany in May of 2000 and now ranks as the Airport's #2 carrier handling 20.8 percent of all passengers.

Air Canada also reported a significant increase in passenger traffic on its international flights to Canada. Air Canada's July 2001 figures showed a 49% increase in passengers over the same period last year. Air Canada now offers daily non-stop flights to Toronto and Montreal.

"Each month it becomes more evident that our decision to create a competitive environment has resulted in increased passengers loads for our major air carriers," said Rev. Farano.

Continental, United and US Airways also reported substantial increases in passenger traffic during July.

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