Passenger Boardings Continue To Soar At The Greater Binghamton Airport
"Funport" Returns

BINGHAMTON, NY - Broome County Executive, Jeff Kraham is pleased to announce that November passenger boardings at the Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM) have increased by 31.1% compared to the same period last year. In November 2003, 11,454 passengers flew from BGM compared to 8,739 in November of 2002.

November 2003 also represents the sixteenth consecutive month that the airport has experienced increased passenger traffic over the previous year. Year-to-date through the end of November, 118,759 passengers flew from the Greater Binghamton Airport, which is an increase of 11.3% over the same period in 2002. According to the Air Transport Association, through November, nationwide passenger traffic is down 2.6%.

"The airport was not only extremely busy during Thanksgiving week, which has historically been the case, but it showed higher than normal passenger concentrations during the weeks prior," said County Executive Kraham. "This growing level of activity at our local airport is a good indicator of an improving economy and overall business climate," added Kraham.

In anticipation of another busy month in December, the airport has brought back a well-received program designed to remove some of the stress from holiday air travel. For the third consecutive year, the airport is offering "Funports" for children of all ages to enjoy during the busy holiday travel season. "Funports" are stations located in the airport's departure lounge and concourse that offer activities that will help to entertain kids of all ages while they are waiting for their flight. Hands-on exhibits, children's books, puzzles, holiday displays and more are just part of the activities offered at the "Funports". The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier, Roberson Museum and Science Center and the Broome County Public Library make the "Funports" a reality.

Currently the Greater Binghamton Airport offers service from 4 of the nation's 7 largest airlines with 40 flights per day (1/3 of these flights utilize new regional jet aircraft) providing convenient service to most domestic and international destinations. For current flight information, check the airport's web site at www.binghamtonairport.com.

CONTACT:
Carl Beardsley, Deputy Commissioner of Aviation,
Broome County Aviation - Greater Binghamton Airport, 607.763.4471
email: cbeardsley@co.broome.ny.us

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