Passenger Activity at Blue Grass Airport Increases by 19% in 2003; New Service, Flights Expected in 2004

Lexington, KY - Lexington's Blue Grass Airport served 1,142,086 passengers during 2003; an increase of 19% over 2002. As passenger activity in Lexington grew at a double-digit pace overall airline activity in the U.S. decreased by 3% in 2003 marking the the third straight year of activity decline.

“Our 19% increase in activity runs counter to the experience of most airports in the nation. While many communities have struggled to rebound from the current downturn in activity, Lexington is adding service and posting positive results”, said Airport Director, Michael Gobb.

In Lexington, the increase in activity has been attributed to the introduction of new flights, destinations, customer conveniences and lower fares resulting from new competition among the local airlines. As a result, many Central Kentucky travelers who typically would have flown from other airports in the region are choosing to travel from Lexington and passengers from nearby communities in Louisville and Cincinnati are driving to Lexington to take advantage of lower air fares.

“With 100 daily flights, non-stop service to 13 destinations and six airline brands competition among the carriers has been brisk. Blue Grass is now becoming the airport of choice for many area travelers”, said Airport Board Chair Jon Zachem.

Airlines have responded to Lexington’s increase in demand by adding flights, upgrading aircraft and introducing new non stop destinations. During 2003, Delta announced new flights to Dallas, TX and New York, NY and average air fares to all destinations decreased by 14%. In 2004, the airport expects to announce additional nonstop service, new daily flights and a series of innovative customer amenities.

Blue Grass Airport is served by six major airline brands providing convenient non-stop service to 13 top destinations and direct service to cities worldwide.