DATE OF DISTRIBUTION: June 18, 2008               FOR RELEASE UPON RECEIPT

PASSENGER TRAFFIC AT TUCSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
UP

      Airline passenger traffic at Tucson International Airport (TIA) is up 2.8% for the first five months of 2008. There were 1,952,962 passengers at TIA compared to 1,899,745 for the same period last year. Traffic for the month of May was also up, .26% with 383,191 travelers compared to 382,180 for May 2007.

     “It’s encouraging news for the community and the airlines serving Tucson,” said TAA President/CEO Bonnie Allin, “especially since earlier this month Tucson got a vote of confidence from US Airways with the introduction of daily nonstop service to Charlotte, North Carolina.

      “Although the airlines are facing significant financial challenges with rising fuel costs, Tucson has a record of weathering the ups and downs of the aviation industry quite well. We recovered quickly from the downturn after September 11, and during the last five years have seen the highest increase in passenger growth in our history,” continued Ms. Allin.

      “We ended 2007 with nearly a 5% increase in traffic and it was the fourth consecutive record year for TIA. Passenger growth over the last five years has exceeded 20%,” she said.

      “While we anticipate a reduction in passenger growth over the next few months due to the airlines modifying their system-wide flight schedules as they make capacity reductions to cope with current economic conditions, we are confident that Tucsonans will continue to have excellent travel options and competitive fares from TIA.”

      There are currently 11 airlines providing daily nonstop service to 26 destinations. 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 that meets monthly. TAA President/CEO Bonnie Allin, oversees day-to-day operations, and a staff of 300 employees. TAA manages Tucson International Airport and Ryan Airfield.