FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2008
Contact: Beckie McKinley
Marketing Director
Tri-State Airport Authority
304-453-6165 ext. 15
bmckinley@tristateairport.com
Airport Reports Best Year Since 1998
62% Increase in Yearly Boardings Over 2006
Huntington, WV---- Huntington Tri-State Airport passenger traffic increased 62% in 2007 over 2006, and represented the highest yearly boardings since 1998, according to data released by the Tri-State Airport Authority. Year-to-date total passenger traffic was 126,255 compared to 78,054 in 2006. December boardings were also up compared to 2006 by 20 percent.
The airport’s major carriers, Delta Air Lines and US Airways Express, saw strong growth in boardings for the year. Delta Air Lines, which provides nonstop service to Cincinnati, experienced a 39% increase over 2006, representing a 29% market share, while US Airways Express, which provides nonstop service to Charlotte, saw a 15% increase in passengers and captured a 41% market share.
The passenger numbers were further boosted by the airport’s newest carrier, low-cost airline Allegiant Air, which carried 30% of the passengers for the year. The airline just completed a full year of service to Orlando in November, and began new service to Ft. Lauderdale on November 16, 2007. Nonstop service to St. Pete/Clearwater is scheduled to begin February 9th.
“We’d like to thank the travelers from the entire tri-state region for choosing to fly from Huntington and making this a great year for the airport,” stated airport director Larry Salyers. “The airport has grown from two destinations to five nonstop destinations within the last 14 months. With the addition of our two newest cities, our low fares, and our commitment to customer care, we look forward to welcoming even more passengers in 2008.”
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