Airport News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2004

REGULA HELPS AKRON-CANTON AIRPORT SECURE LAGUARDIA FLIGHT

And includes $5 Million for Glycol Reclamation System

Green, OH: Thanks in large part to the work of Congressman Ralph Regula (R- Navarre), the

midday Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) to New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) flight will become permanent, allowing for three daily round-trip flights between the cities. All flights between CAK-LGA are operated by AirTran Airways aboard brand new, full-size Boeing 717 jets. AirTran Airways commenced the popular New York flights in March 2003 with two roundtrips after CAK received a small community air service development grant from the US Department of Transportation. As a result of the success of the service, AirTran added a third roundtrip with temporary slots which could be lost at any time. Thanks to Congressman Regula's action the airport will obtain permanent slots for the third roundtrip.

"The public, local businesses and political leaders came together and expressed strong support to make this successful flight a permanent option for people in our area traveling to New York," said Regula.  "Efficient air service to commercial centers like New York is critical to business development in our community," Regula added.

Regula, a strong candidate to serve as the next chairman of the full House Appropriations

Committee, included a provision in the omnibus appropriations bill funding most federal agencies for fiscal year 2005 to authorize the Federal Aviation Administration to allocate permanent slots at LaGuardia Airport to allow the communities of Akron-Canton, Ohio and Newport News- Williamsburg, Virginia to have permanent third roundtrips to LaGuardia Airport. The bill was passed by congress over the weekend and will be sent to the President for his signature.

Airport Director Fred Krum considers the slot exemptions a big win for Northeast Ohio. "New Yorkbound travelers can rest assured that affordable fare, big jet flights will be available from Akron-Canton Airport. Congressman Regula understands how important AirTran Airways' LGA service is to our community, saving passengers millions of dollars every year. We are grateful for his efforts on our behalf."

"AirTran Airways very much appreciates the continued support and leadership CongressmanRegula provides to ensure quality low fare competition in Northeast Ohio and across the United States, "said Kevin Healy, vice president planning and sales. "Our New York service has demonstrated the positive economic impact of competition in the Akron-Canton community and we're very pleased we will be able to continue these popular flights and to serve the community."

Funding

Additionally, Representative Regula directed $5 million in funding for the first phase of a glycol

reclamation system at the airport. The funding will help Akron-Canton Airport meet new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates related to the discharge of the nontoxic deicing fluid into storm-water systems. Phase one includes the design and construction of a drainage system and aircraft waiting pad. The total project costs total $9 million and will be complete in 2005. "This airport has achieved remarkable growth in recent years and people in our area appreciate the convenient service it provides to travelers. I am pleased these funds will be used to help the airport continue its growth," Regula said.

The fast growing Akron-Canton Airport is currently in the third phase of the $60 million, five-year STAR expansion project, which focuses on a $24 million gate replacement 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.