DATE OF DISTRIBUTION: August 20, 2008               FOR RELEASE UPON RECEIPT

PASSENGER TRAFFIC AT TUCSON INTERNATIONAL
REMAINS UP

      Airline passenger traffic at Tucson International Airport (TIA) year-to-date is up 1.23% for the first seven months of 2008, in spite of a downturn for the months of June and July. There were 2,658,656 passengers that used TIA compared to 2,626,384 for the same period last year. Traffic for the month of June 2008 was down 2.42% with 353,152 travelers compared to 361,922 a year earlier. July traffic posted a decrease of 3.34% with 352,542 travelers compared to 364,717 for July 2007.

      "The decrease in June and July passenger traffic is not unexpected given the high cost of fuel and the airlines' corresponding reduction in capacity and rise in air fares," said TAA President/CEO Bonnie Allin. "The fact that year-to-date traffic is still ahead of last year is positive, since we are comparing this year to the highest year on record in the history of Tucson International Airport. Tucson International is still ahead of the game," continued Ms. Allin. "The number of available seats has increased 25% since 2004, and 2007 was TIA's fourth record growth year in a row for total passenger traffic.

      "September activity, however, will begin to reflect the full impact of nationwide airline flight reductions for the Fall and Winter season," said Ms. Allin. "All the major airlines, except Southwest, have announced they will reduce domestic seat capacity, most in the range of 10-20% nationally, by the end of the fourth quarter in an effort to regain profitability. For TIA this will mean about an 18% loss of available seats. Leisure markets like Hawaii, Orlando, Reno, Las Vegas and Tucson, as well as smaller airports, are seeing larger capacity reductions than average.

      "While we are disappointed that current economic conditions are resulting in the loss of several recently added nonstop destinations, Tucsonans will continue to have excellent travel options and competitive fares from TIA. This, combined with the comfort and convenience of first class amenities, fast check-in and affordable parking options still makes Tucson International an easy choice," concluded Ms. Allin.

      As of September 3, there will be 10 airlines providing daily nonstop service to 18 destinations. Airlines and service include: AeroMexico Connect (Hermosillo); Alaska (Seattle); American (Chicago O'Hare, Dallas/Ft. Worth); Continental (Houston); Delta (Atlanta, Salt Lake City); Frontier (Denver); Northwest (Minneapolis); Southwest (Albuquerque, Chicago Midway, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, San Diego); United (Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco); and US Airways (Charlotte, Phoenix).

      Visit Tucson airports airfare portal, www.airtucson.com, for the best deals on fares.

T-A-A

      The Tucson Airport Authority, TAA, is a nonprofit entity created by State Charter in 1948. Composed of 115 community members, the Authority has a nine-member board of directors. TAA President/CEO Bonnie Allin, oversees day-to-day operations, and a staff of 300 employees. TAA manages Tucson International Airport and Ryan Airfield.