Albany, NY (November 12, 2003) - - - Rev. Michael A. Farano, chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority today announced that Northwest Airlines will increase service to Albany International Airport in January of 2004. Beginning January 23th, Northwest Airlink partner, Pinnacle Airlines, Inc., will offer a third non-stop flight between its Minneapolis/St. Paul hub and Albany.

"Northwest's Albany-Minneapolis connection has been extremely popular with business and leisure travelers, particularly those that require connections to the west coast and overseas markets," said Rev. Farano. "This additional flight will also provide yet another link to the Capital District and the Tech Valley Region for businesses that are eager to expand into new markets."

Northwest Airlines began its Albany-Minneapolis/St. Paul service on October 27th, 2002. Demand for the flight prompted Northwest to add a second non-stop Minneapolis/St. Paul flight in June of 2003.

The additional Minneapolis/St. Paul – Albany service will be operated with the airline's 50-passenger Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ). The CRJ features a spacious cabin with comfortable two-by-two leather seating and other cabin amenities similar to much larger jets, such as overhead bins, a full-service galley, lavatory, and an efficient climate control system to ensure passenger comfort.

The new flight will increase Northwest's daily Albany departures from six to seven. Together, Northwest and its partner Pinnacle Airlines carry approximately 9.5% of all Albany International Airport travelers to their hubs in Detroit and Minneapolis-St. Paul.

This flight is immediately available for sale through www.nwa.com, Northwest Airlines Reservations at 1-800-225-2525 or through travel agencies.

New Albany – Minneapolis/St. Paul Service

Flight number:	Departs:	Arrives:	Aircraft:
NW 5744	8:40 a.m.	10:35 a.m.	CRJ

New Minneapolis/St. Paul-Albany Service

Flight number:	Departs:	Arrives:	Aircraft:
NW 5756	6:55 p.m.	10:25 p.m.	CRJ

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