Albany, NY (October 15, 2003) - - - Airfares at Albany International Airport are the fourth lowest in the nation according to the latest report issued by the United States Department of Transportation. The Domestic Airline Fares Consumer Report survey studied airports serving 100,000 or more passengers per month. The report is based on the average fare passengers pay for each mile flown.

The report, which evaluated fares during the last quarter of 2002, shows Albany is tied with Fort Lauderdale, Florida for fourth place. Albany’s cost-per-mile was 11.7 cents. Only three airports in the nation showed lower fares with Las Vegas, NV at 11.1 cents-per-mile, Manchester, NH at 10.4 cents-per-mile and Long Beach, CA at 9.3 cents-per-mile.

When compared with all airports in New York State, Albany’s average fares were the lowest with Buffalo at 13 cents-per-mile, Rochester-20.1, Islip-13.2 and the New York City airports which averaged 15.5 cents-per-mile. Fares across the United States ranged from 9.3 cents-per-mile in Long Beach to 33.6 cents-per-mile in Richmond, VA.

"We have worked conscientiously to fashion an environment that has significantly reduced air fares at Albany International Airport," said Rev. Michael A. Farano, chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority. "Low air fares and convenient service are key elements that are essential for this region to attract new businesses and employers and we are committed to maintaining the Capital Region’s competitive position."

Albany International Airport is currently served by 13 mainline and commuter airlines and offers 118 daily departures to 36 non-stop destinations. During 2002, 1,476,988 passengers boarded aircraft at Albany. Of that number, 37% ended their flights in Florida. Albany’s top ten destinations during 2002 were as follows:

1. Baltimore	6. Las Vegas
2. Orlando	7. Atlanta
3. Southeast Florida	8. Los Angeles
4. Southwest Florida	9. Phoenix
5. Chicago	10. Raleigh/Durham

The Airport continues to provide travelers with new conveniences including Wireless Internet throughout the terminal and a Foreign Currency Exchange located in the Airport’s Business Center. The Airport recently opened a 1,200 foot extension to the east-west runway and plans to extend the north-south runway by 1,300 feet beginning next year. In addition, the Airport Authority has approved a plan for demolishing an existing cargo building and to begin planning to provide additional parking and gate space to meet existing and future aircraft requirements.

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