 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
» Press Releases
HOUSTON - Passenger traffic in the Houston Airport System (HAS) increased at both George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby airports during January compared to the same month in 2004. Combining both airports, the passenger numbers are up 10.5 percent. For the entire year in 2004, HAS passenger traffic rose to a record 44.8 million, clear evidence of a recovery from Sept. 11, 2001's aftereffects.
The expected seasonal escalations in travel during March's spring break periods, plus the vacations many passengers take each June and July, are positive indicators that Houston's airports can continue to grow the number of people flying in and out, even though fuel prices remain high.
Bush Intercontinental had over 3 million passengers in January '05, 11.9 percent more than in January '04, including a remarkable 21.6 percent rise in international passengers. In late January, Bush's new International Arrivals Building (IAB) opened, providing capacity to efficiently receive and process the ever-increasing throngs of incoming travelers HAS officials expect during the next two decades.
Among Bush's strongest performers were American Airlines, which moved almost 12,000 more passengers to U.S. destinations, a 16.2 percent increase. Continental Express's service to Mexico had an increase of more than 66,000 passengers (15.7 percent higher).
Every global region the airlines at Bush Intercontinental serve had significantly higher numbers during the month: the domestic sector (9.8 percent), Mexico (24 percent), Central/South America (22.4 percent), Europe (9.6 percent), Canada (20.6 percent) and Asia/Africa/Australia (57.1 percent).
During January 2004, China Airlines and Pakistan International Airlines were not yet operating at Bush Intercontinental. Their traffic has contributed significantly to the 9,342 additional passengers flying between Houston and destinations in Asia/Africa/Australia as compared to last January.
Other international carriers with strong January '05 performances were KLM's service to Europe (up 28.5 percent); and Air Canada (up 40.2 percent) and Air Canada Jazz (up 11.4 percent).
Hobby's steady, 4.7 percent growth featured a monthly gain of more than 28,000 passengers by Southwest Airlines – a 5.8 percent improvement over January '04 – and regional jet carrier American Eagle bringing in more than 5,600 additional passengers, a 42.4 percent hike. Continental and Continental Express, which did not start their Hobby service until the middle of 2004, combined for 3,900 Hobby passengers in January '05. The two carriers will now have a full year to serve travelers with a wider variety of destinations and flights out of Houston's original airport.
In an otherwise lackluster month for cargo, several passenger airlines did brisk business. Air France (up 23.6 percent), Continental's freight service to Canada (up 23.5 percent) and Europe (up 9.7 percent), and European cargo service by KLM (up 15.4 percent) and Lufthansa (up 18.2 percent) were among the leaders.
Freight-only carriers Emery Worldwide (28.7 percent), Global Supply System's service to Asia/Africa/Australia (63.1 percent) and MartinAir Cargo's service to Europe (53.2 percent) all increased their cargo poundage numbers.
# # #
The Houston Airport System served more than 44.8 million passengers in 2004. It is the 4th-largest multi-airport system in the U.S. and the 6th-largest in the world. Bush Intercontinental is the world's 12th-busiest airport. For more information, visit www.fly2houston.com.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
