Blue Grass Airport Bucks National Trend; Sets New Six-Month Passenger Boarding Record

Lexington, KY - Passenger activity at Blue Grass Airport continues to rebound; outpacing most airports in the nation. In fact, more passengers flew from Blue Grass Airport in the last six months then in any six month period in the history of the airport. From October 2002 through March 2003, 519,251 passengers chose to fly from Lexington ’s airport. In addition, during the first quarter of 2003 passenger activity at the airport increased by 23% over the same period in 2002. In contrast, passenger volume for the nation decreased by 1.8% during the first quarter of 2003 (Source: Air Transport Association) .

In recent months, a decline in business travel, the war in Iraq , security alerts and airline schedule reductions have decreased air travel volume for airports nationwide. However, despite these challenges Lexington ’s Blue Grass Airport has been successful in retaining service, attracting new service and increasing passenger activity.

Michael Gobb, Executive Director for Blue Grass Airport attributes the increase in activity to new nonstop service, the significant convenience of using Blue Grass versus other larger airports in the region and the strength of demand for air service in Central Kentucky . “Despite airline flight reductions nationwide, Lexington air service has prospered. We have listened to the customer and our efforts to meet their needs are paying off,” Gobb said.

U.S. Congressman Ernie Fletcher (KY) added, "In an environment where passenger volume across the nation has decreased, I am very excited that Blue Grass Airport has posted a 23% increase in its total passenger volume. The increased volume is an important part of the continued economic growth in Central Kentucky and the future of Blue Grass Airport . The administrators at Blue Grass have focused on competitive rates, customer convenience, and expanding airline routes - a strategy which has proven effective."

Lexington ’s airport has introduced six new cities and one new airline to in the last three years. Five of the six new destinations have been introduced since September 11, 2001 . Blue Grass Airport is served by six major airline brands providing convenient non-stop service to 13 major hub cities and direct service to destinations worldwide.

In addition to new air service, Blue Grass Airport has introduced programs designed to better serve the customer. To meet the federal 100% baggage screening requirement, Lexington installed one of only five true “in-line” baggage screening facilities in the nation. This facility enables security to screen baggage out of sight of the passenger allowing customers to avoid much of the hassle associated with screening baggage at the ticket counter. And, Lexington was the first airport in the nation to install FREE high-speed wireless internet for the public terminal-wide allowing customers to be more productive while at the airport.

New Cities Introduced at Blue Grass Airport
1. Memphis , TN - Northwest Airlink November 2000
2. Houston , TX - Continental Express October 2001
3. Newark , NJ - Continental Express June 2002
4. Chicago-Midway - ATA Connection September 2002
5. Dallas , TX - Delta Connection January 2003
6. New York , NY - Delta Connection April 2003