Lexington's Blue Grass Airport Sets New All-Time Passenger Activity Record for Second Consecutive Year

Lexington, KY – Blue Grass Airport today announced that in 2004 the facility set a new record for annual passenger activity with 1.17 million passengers served; surpassing the previous record of 1.14 million set in 2003. Following up on the airport’s impressive 19% increase during 2003, passenger activity at Blue Grass Airport rose by 2% in 2004 despite a very challenging aviation environment. Since 2001, passenger activity at Blue Grass Airport has increased for three consecutive years and new all-time passenger records were established in both 2003 and 2004.

Since 2001, Blue Grass Airport has experienced unprecedented growth resulting in the addition of six new nonstop destinations by four different airlines, a 33% increase in passenger activity and an overall decrease in average airfares. In 2003, Blue Grass ranked as the fifth fastest growing airport in the nation and the seventh fastest growing airport in North America according to a report released by Airports Council International (ACI).

"In these challenging times of airline bankruptcies, service reductions and unprecedented change few airports in the nation are expected to post positive passenger results in 2004. To set a new all-time passenger record for the second consecutive year speaks volumes for the untapped demand for air service that continues to exist in Central and Eastern Kentucky," said Michael Gobb, Executive Director, Blue Grass Airport.

Total Passengers Served:
2001: 876,641
2002: 961,750
2003: 1,142,086
2004: 1,168,397

In 2005, the airport expects to continue its positive momentum by announcing new nonstop destinations, additional jet service and introducing a number of new customer amenities in and around the airport terminal.

Blue Grass Airport is served by five major airline brands providing convenient non-stop service to 12 major hub airports and direct service to destinations worldwide.