Wednesday, June 13, 2001

Airport Passengers Increase 20% in May

Third Busiest May in the Past 20 Years

SIOUX CITY, IA - Barbara Sloniker, Director of Airport Marketing for the Sioux Gateway Airport announced today a 20% increase in total passengers for May compared to May of 2000. The 9,310 enplaned passenger total was the third highest May recorded in the past 20 years. This also makes the third consecutive month of increased passenger totals resulting in a 12% increase year to date.  The Airport has attributed much of the change to two factors: increased customer service by the air carriers, and aggressive pricing by both Northwest Airlines and TransWorld Express.

“TransWorld Express continues to post record passenger totals because of the high level of customer service and convenience they provide,” said Sloniker.  “Northwest Airlines’ introduction of the regional jets in our market is a very positive step forward and good things will continue to happen.”

Glenn S. Januska, Airport Director stated, “we do a good job monitoring air fares, but what has been happening recently with the fares out of Sioux City has been remarkable.  When you have an ability to fly round trip to Chicago with a base fare of $66, and bring a second person along for another $20, that’s pretty phenomenal.  To think it’s less expensive to fly from Sioux City to Ontario, California then from Chicago O’Hare to Ontario is remarkable.” “We do know that recently we have not only been able to capture more of our existing market, but have been able to draw passengers from as far away as Omaha,” said Sloniker.