Airport News
AirTran Airways Passenger Surge Drives CAK to Fourth Consecutive Record Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2003
AIRTRAN AIRWAYS PASSENGER SURGE DRIVES AKRON-CANTON AIRPORT
TO FOURTH CONSECUTIVE RECORD MONTH
Green, OH: Once again CAK is reporting big numbers. "Akron-Canton is one of the fastest
growing airports in the United States," said airport director Fred Krum. "Travelers are desperate for a decent airport experience coupled with an affordable fare. AirTran Airways and Akron-Canton deliver just that." In the past year, AirTran Airways, the largest carrier at CAK, has added flights to Orlando and New York and beginning November 8, the airline will add a Saturday nonstop to Tampa.
In August, AirTran passengers were up 91 percent compared to the same month in 2002.
That increase propelled the airport to a new single-month record for origin and destination (O&D) passengers, the fourth month in a row. The 114,850 total topped July's count of 112,457, the previous record. Nearly 30,000 more passengers flew CAK, accounting for a 34 percent increase over August 2002. So far more than 755,000 fliers have passed through the terminal, a 27 percent increase over last year.
"We are one of the few easy-to-use airports in the country that is able to offer large jet
service (aboard AirTran Airways) to four nonstop destinations at a great price. We consider it a privilege to help them grow their affordable fare model in Northeast Ohio," added Krum. In addition to the extra AirTran Airways passengers, Delta Connection carriers reported a 40 percent increase in passengers in August 2003.
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, 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. Additional airport information is available at www.akroncantonairport.com.
