BLUE GRASS AIRPORT PASSENGER ACTIVITY REBOUNDS; INCREASES 70% IN SEPTEMBER 2002

Lexington, KY – In September 2002, passenger activity at Lexington's Blue Grass Airport increased by 70% over the same month in 2001. The increase of nearly 34,000 passengers in September totally erased the deficit in activity recorded during the entire first eight months of the year. Activity at Blue Grass Airport has consistently outperformed many other airports in the nation during the turbulent recovery from the events of September 11, 2001 and this report signals renewed interest in air travel by area residents.

Michael Gobb, Executive Director, Blue Grass Airport said, "We continue to see travelers from the Lexington, Central and Eastern Kentucky region re-discover the convenience, competitive air service and lower fares available at Blue Grass Airport. With more flights, destinations and choice local travelers are finding they no longer need to drive to other cities to find their best travel option."

In the past 22 months Lexington's airport has added new service to five destinations and introduced service by one new airline. Service to three of the five new destinations was launched after September 11, 2001.

"The airport has regained much of the momentum it established prior to September 11th and is moving forward with efforts to further develop the level of air service and to offer new choice and services to the region", said Airport Board Chairman, Jon Zachem.

Increase in Airline Activity
September 2001 / September 2002

Delta Air Lines
 +14,107 passengers/+48%
Northwest Airlink
+ 6,425 passengers/+133%

ATA Connection**
+ 4,808 passengers/+100%

Continental Express
+ 4,785 passengers/+403%

United Express
+ 3,161 passengers/+80%

US Airways Express
+ 2,098 passengers/+31%

American/TWA*
- 1,750 passengers/-100%

Total +33,634 passengers/+70%

* American/TWA discontinued service in April 2002

** ATA Connection began service in August 2002.