Albany, NY (Nov. 17, 2000) --- Rev. Michael A. Farano, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority today announced the addition of 1,000 new parking spaces at Albany International Airport. The increased parking capacity includes 756 spaces that are opening in a new five-story addition to the Airport's parking garage. The added parking spaces are a result of the unprecedented increase in passengers now using the Airport.

"We continue to be amazed at the number of new travelers taking advantage of the Airport's increased service and lower fares," said Rev. Farano. "The new garage expansion will help ensure the Airport will be able to provide ample parking for all travelers during the busy holiday season that is just around the corner."

The Airport Authority has also reconfigured its very popular Economy E-Lot to accommodate 100 more vehicles. Long-term ground-level parking has also been expanded near the parking garage. A new, 150-vehicle, long-term parking lot has been created in the area that had been used to stage equipment during the construction of the new parking garage extension.

The opening of the addition to the parking garage and the new ground parking brings the Airport's total parking capacity to nearly 5,000 spaces.

The Airport's five-story, 1600-car parking garage opened in February of 1999 and was filled to capacity within three days. The Airport Authority had planned to construct a two-story addition to the garage. When confronted with the overwhelming popularity of the new garage, the Authority approved the construction of the five-story addition that expands the garage's capacity to 2,400 vehicles.

The Airport's fleet of 300 rental cars was moved into the first level of the parking garage in October. Travelers are now able to reach their rental cars without being exposed to inclement weather.

Parking rates at Albany International Airport are among the lowest in upstate New York. Travelers can park in the Parking Garage for $9.00 a day. The Airport's Economy E-Lot offers ground parking at the low rate of only $5.00 per day or $25 per week. Short-term parkers at the Airport are provided with FREE parking for the first 30 minutes.

-30-