Thursday, October 04, 2001

Airport Passengers Decrease 21% in September

Year to Dat Total up 19%

SIOUX CITY, IA - Barbara Sloniker, Director of Airport Marketing for the Sioux Gateway Airport, announced today a 21% decrease in total passengers for September compared to September of 2000. The decrease in total passengers comes at the end of sixth consecutive months of increased passengers.

“Earlier in the year we benefited from about five consecutive airfare specials,” said Sloniker.  “Obviously the terrorist attacks on September 11th and the shutdown of the aviation system hurt our passenger numbers, something each airport around the nation is experiencing.”

“We’ve said throughout the year that our dramatic increase in passengers was in part due to the increased customer service by the air carriers, and aggressive pricing by both Northwest Airlines and Trans World Express,” said Glenn S. Januska, Airport Director.  “While we don’t expect the same level of aggressive pricing, the strong and continued level of customer service is and remains constant, evidenced recently by Trans World Express’ regional jet upgrade announcement.” “I’m cautiously optimistic about the remainder of the year since a number of travelers who purchased the lower airfares earlier this year still have travel booked between now and the end of the year,” said Januska.