Airport News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2004

AKRON-CANTON AIRPORT REPORTS SECOND CONSECUTIVE RECORD YEAR

Green, OH: The final numbers are in. Fueled by the extremely popular AirTran Airways flights to New York's LaGuardia Airport, Akron-Canton (CAK) surpassed last year's record in 2003 by more than 30 percent. 1,164,755 total passengers used CAK compared to 894,798 in 2002. December was also a record-breaker, with more than 100,000 flyers compared to just over 80,000 the year before, accounting for a 25 percent increase.

"2003 was really incredible," said airport director Fred Krum, "and we're looking forward to an even better 2004. 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 new service offerings coming, travelers will continue to find Akron-Canton a better way to go."

The airport has been steadily adding passengers since 1996 when AirTran Airways began service here. Since then the airline has since added Atlanta, Orlando, New York and Tampa to its nonstop offerings from Akron-Canton Airport. Their boardings increased 79.5 percent in 2003 compared to 2002, having carried 484,189 total passengers. AirTran's growth prompted other airlines to add capacity, positioning the airport as one of the fastest growing in the nation. The global networks offered by Delta Connection, US Airways Express, Northwest Airlink, and United Express, also provide valuable airline service and connectivity to the world from CAK. Non- AirTran boardings were up nine percent in 2003 to 680,566 compared with 625,000 in 2002.

The airport is currently in the third phase of the $60 million, five-year STAR expansion project,

which will focus on the building of a new $24 million gate concourse and a new Shuffel Road interchange.  The first two phases included longer runways, a new baggage claim wing and food court with national brands. In a recent ranking published by the Boyd Group of Evergreen Colorado, between 2000-2008, CAK was named the third fastest growing airport in the country with a 55% increase in passengers expected.  Additional airport information is available at www.akroncantonairport.com.