DATE OF DISTRIBUTION: June 2, 2009           FOR RELEASE UPON RECEIPT

FLY TUCSON AIRPORT
TAA INITIATES MARKETING CAMPAIGN

     “This is an element of a strategic plan we unveiled at the TAA annual meeting in January 2009,” explained TAA President/CEO Bonnie Allin. “The plan includes marketing the community’s strengths and opportunities to the airlines in order to demonstrate the need for new air service in Tucson.

     “The plan also includes educating local consumers about what TIA has to offer so they can make informed travel decisions,” continued Ms. Allin. “Our latest ad campaign, launched in January, is designed to accomplish this with ads appearing on radio, TV and in print reinforcing the positives TIA has to offer: new passenger amenities, ease of access and convenient, low cost parking.

     “Getting buy-in from the local business community is another part of the plan. This is essential to demonstrate support to the airlines. Demand is what drives additional airline service to Tucson, and we intend to take this message directly to local businesses and organizations that have control over employee travel itineraries, as well as the hospitality industry, which often can influence convention, meeting and other visitor travel itineraries,” said Ms. Allin.

     Collateral marketing materials show that, excluding airfare, a three-day business trip may save a Tucson employer $257 in mileage reimbursement, parking costs and time if their employee flies Tucson rather than Phoenix. Similarly, a Tucson visitor on a four-day trip may save $270 on gas, car rental and time by flying Tucson. A recent TAA study found that airfare differences between Tucson and Phoenix on TIA’s top 50 destinations average only $20, with Tucson offering lower fares on many routes.

     TAA staff will present the message to the community at various forums as well as at one on one meetings.

T-A-A

Attachment: Fly Tucson Airport flyer