Airport News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TUESDAY, JULY 13, 2004

AKRON-CANTON AIRPORT REPORTS $284 MILLION ECONOMIC IMPACT

(Green, OH) Akron-Canton Airport is stacking up the coins for Northeast Ohio. In 2003 the

airport's total economic impact in the region exceeded $284 million. That figure was determined by a recently completed economic impact report commissioned by the airport authority and conducted by the Boyd Group of Evergreen, Colorado. In addition to the aggregate impact figure, the airport, its tenants and other aviation related companies on the airfield account for nearly 1,400 jobs making it one of the top 25 employers in Summit and Stark county.

"We are all about keeping this community well connected and strategically positioned to grow," said airport director Fred Krum. "Easy and affordable transportation drives commerce and strengthens relationships and that's good for business. We plan to build on this foundation adding more jobs, flights and destinations in the future."

In addition to the jobs at the Akron-Canton airport, total tax revenues added up to just under $10 million and payroll exceeded $73 million. Beyond the numbers, Akron-Canton Airport offers more nonstop destinations than ever. AirTran Airways, for instance, has added New York, Tampa and Boston nonstop flights within the past year making travel easy for business and vacation travelers. Because AirTran offers everyday affordable fares, travelers take more trips, which in turn generates more dollars for the local economy as more visitors come to the region. In addition, Akron-Canton Airport offers the lowest average fare of any airport in Ohio, stimulating travel demand. To view the executive summary of the community economic impact report, go to www.akroncantonairport.com and click on Economic Impact Report from the home page.

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 $70 million, fiveyear STAR expansion project, which will focus 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.