Milwaukee: Fastest growing airport in the U.S. in 2nd Qtr

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David Fantle,
VISIT Milwaukee,
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Milwaukee: Fastest growing airport in the U.S. in 2nd Qtr
Fares now significantly lower than nation's average.

MILWAUKEE - November 5, 2010 - General Mitchell International Airport continues its record growth and now boasts some of the lowest airfares of any major city in the country. And that's an important criteria for any meeting planner when choosing a destination.

Record Growth

Airports Council International reported that during the 2nd Quarter 2010, Mitchell was the third fastest-growing airport in the world, exceeded only by airports in Istanbul and Moscow. Mitchell was the only U.S. airport among the top 30 fastest growing airports worldwide.
Airport Director Barry Bateman said, "Mitchell's AirTran and Frontier hubs continued their record growth in September. There were 174,294 passengers connecting in Milwaukee on those airlines, 27,234 more than last September." He added, "With a 21.94 percent passenger growth rate in September, Mitchell far outpaced the nation's average growth of 4 percent."

Highlighting more than 12 months of record passenger growth, airport and Southwest Airlines officials were on hand at the airport on October 29th to welcome the 8 millionth passenger this year. The arrival represents the first time more than 8 million passengers have used the airport in a single year.

Lower than average airfares

U.S. Department of Transportation data for 2nd Quarter 2010 (most recent) show that the average airfare out of Milwaukee dropped lower than the average at 93 other U.S. airports. Mitchell's average fare was $93 less than O'Hare's and $78 less than the nation's average.
Out of the nation's top 100 airports, Mitchell was one of only three at which average 2nd Quarter airfares were lower in 2010 than in 2009.

56 nonstop markets

With 56 markets served nonstop, Mitchell has moved up to 28th among U.S. airports, according to data recently published by the Brookings Institute. The new ranking means that more nonstop markets are served out of Milwaukee than out of other Midwestern cities, such as Kansas City; Nashville; Pittsburgh; Indianapolis and Columbus, and out of medium-sized cities elsewhere in the U.S., including Portland, OR; Austin; New Orleans; San Diego; Raleigh/Durham; Albuquerque; San Antonio and Hartford, CT.

"We have a great city for meetings and conventions and now, thanks to the continuing positive developments at our airport, the Milwaukee story has gotten even better," said Paul Upchurch, president & CEO of VISIT Milwaukee. "The market growth from Southwest, AirTran and Frontier, enhances Milwaukee's appeal as a value destination with the world-class tourism amenities to accommodate meetings and conventions."

VISIT Milwaukee markets Greater Milwaukee to tourists, convention and meeting planners nationally and internationally. VISIT Milwaukee has more than 600 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. Tourism generated $2.3 billion in spending in Greater Milwaukee in 2009 and supported more than 57,000 local jobs. For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit http://www.visitmilwaukee.org

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