Airport News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2005

AKRON-CANTON AIRPORT REPORTS THIRD CONSECUTIVE RECORD YEAR

Green, OH: They say three's a charm and that is certainly the case at Akron-Canton Airport.

Fueled by extremely popular AirTran Airways flights to Boston and US Airways' service to Philadelphia, Akron-Canton (CAK) surpassed last year's record by more than 16 percent. For the year 2004, 1,358,000 total passengers used CAK compared to 1,165,000 in 2003. December was also a record-breaker, with nearly 113,000 flyers compared to just over 101,000 the year before, accounting for an 11 percent increase.

"Our momentum for the past three years is a positive indicator for the Northeast Ohio economy," said airport director Fred Krum. "We have worked hard to become an airport of preference, providing an easy-to-use terminal, shorter walks, and a bit more sense of calm. With a new gate concourse coming, travelers will continue to find Akron-Canton a better way to go."

Airport traffic has grown 192 percent since 1996, when AirTran Airways began service here. The airline has since added Atlanta, Orlando, New York and Tampa; and in 2004, the carrier added daily flights to Boston and Saturday service to Ft. Lauderdale. Also in 2004, US Airways Express significantly enhanced service to Charlotte and added new flights to Philadelphia. Delta Connection also added larger seventy seat aircraft to both Cincinnati and Atlanta.

AirTran Airways, Delta Connection, Northwest Airlink, United Express and US Airways Express

serve the growing Akron-Canton market. The airport is currently in the third phase of the $60 million, fiveyear STAR expansion project, which focuses on building a new $24 million gate concourse and a new Shuffel Road interchange. The first two phases included longer runways, a new baggage claim wing, additional car parking and a food court with national brands. Additional airport information is available at www.akroncantonairport.com. Akron-Canton Airport, a better way to go.