Albany, NY (December 8, 1999) - - - Eighty percent of Capital Region companies that use the Albany International Airport for business travel would increase their number of flights if airline fares were reduced. That was the major finding of a study commissioned by the Albany County Airport Authority to determine the potential for growth in air travel within the region and to identify the impact that might result from reduced fares.

The study was conducted during October by the Siena Research Institute, which polled chief executive officers of companies with 20 or more employees in the immediate 13-country primary and greater 25-county catchment areas served by Albany International Airport. The Siena Research Institute received 1,018 responses.

"The response to this survey of air travel was extremely high and would seem to indicate that CEO's in the areas surveyed would be delighted to have a major low-fare carrier serve the Albany International Airport," said Dr. Douglas Lonnstrom, Co-Director of the Siena Research Institute. "It also suggests the presence of a client base which, primarily due to cost factors, is marginalized rather than maximized in regard to the potential volume of air traffic."

Survey respondents were asked to identify their usage of commercial air travel and to rate the importance of such factors as frequent flyer miles, business class seating, first class seating, meal service and ticket price in their decision to fly. Of the CEO's that responded in the Airport's 13-country primary catchment area, 92% rated airline ticket prices as very important. The next most cited item, frequent flyer miles, was 60 points lower with only 32% of the CEO's surveyed showing the "traveler's perk" as very important.

Overall, the survey results indicated considerable satisfaction with the state of the newly modernized airport facilities. Comments from a number of CEO's, however, indicated the high costs of airfares are a detriment to the economy of the region. Additionally, three percent of the respondents mentioned that the existing fare structure is a hindrance to their clients who fly to Albany.

"This survey clearly shows a considerable number of business flyers ready to take to the air if airline fares are reduced," said Albany County Airport Authority Chairmen Rev. Michael A. Farano. "Our goal, therefore, is to continue to attract new airlines, increase competition and decrease fares to meet the demands of both business and leisure travelers in the region."

The geographical area included in the survey extended north to the Canadian border, west past Utica, south to Greene and Columbia counties and east to western Vermont and Massachusetts.

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