Blue Grass Airport Serves More Passengers in June 2003 Than in Any Month in History of the Facility

Lexington, KY - In June 2003 Blue Grass Airport served more passengers than in any single month of the facility’s 57 year history. During the month, 106,109 passengers utilized Lexington ’s airport. The previous record of 102,255 was set in October 2002.

During June, passenger activity at Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport increased by 32% over the same month in 2002. The increase of over 25,000 passengers continued the airport’s impressive rebound from the downturn in air travel resulting from a slowing economy and the attacks of September 11, 2001.

Passenger activity at Blue Grass Airport has consistently outperformed many other airports in the nation in recent months and this strong performance clearly indicates that the air travel market in Lexington is again on the rise. For the first six months of 2003, Blue Grass Airport has served 534,077 passengers; an increase of 22% over 2002.

In contrast to Lexington’s experience, overall passenger activity in the U.S. decreased by 9% in June and has declined by 7.6% for the first six months of 2003 (Source: Air Transport Association July 2003). In addition, Lexington is one of the few airports nationwide to introduce new nonstop service in the post 9.11 environment. In recent months Lexington ’s introduction of six new destinations by four different airlines has resulted in the addition of 24 new daily flights.

Michael Gobb, Executive Director said, “convenience, new nonstop flights, increased competition and lower fares have combined to bring record numbers of travelers to Blue Grass Airport. While the airline industry continues to struggle nationwide, we are pleased our efforts have convinced thousands of new customers to choose the fly from Blue Grass Airport.”

Five Months for Passenger Activity at Blue Grass Airport:
1. 106,109 June 2003
2. 102,255 October 2002
3. 100,905 October 1997
4. 100,721 July 1997
5. 98,974 October 2000

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.