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Near Record High for Passengers Flying from Tweed

Dépèche transmise le 19 janvier 2012 par Business Wire

Near Record High for Passengers Flying from Tweed

NEW HAVEN, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Officials at Tweed New Haven Regional Airport (HVN) announced this week that more airline passengers flew out of Tweed in 2011 than in 10 of the past 11 years – including a jump of 11% in 2011 over 2010.

“Our enhanced website, along with a multi-media approach including a presence at UConn basketball games, Facebook and Twitter, is reaching new audiences throughout the State.”

A total of 39,791 passengers left Tweed on U.S. Airways Express flights in 2011, more than in any year since 1999 except 2005.

Tweed is served several times a day by U.S. Airways Express with connecting flights via Philadelphia to any U.S. Airways national or international destination.

Airport Manager Lori Hoffman-Soares has reported to the Authority’s Board of Directors that the increase in departures reflects a continuing upward trend. Total 2011 departures exceeded the average annual number of departures over the last 12 years by a strong 24%. It also marks the third consecutive annual increase in the number of passengers flying from Tweed.

With competitive fares, convenient parking and easy access from downtown New Haven and I-95, Tweed’s popularity has grown substantially from a decade ago. The growth also reflects the increasing vitality of the New Haven business community, reflected in a growing and vibrant retail community and greater demand for residential space in the city.

New Haven is fast becoming a state leader in attracting venture capital for start-up and manufacturing companies, and is demonstrating that arts and culture can be effective economic drivers. In 2011, New Haven had the lowest office vacancy rate in decades and the second highest concentration of jobs in Connecticut.

“The growth in the number of passengers taking advantage of the convenience of Tweed New Haven underscores the dramatic progress being made throughout the city, and the tremendous potential that exists,” said Kelly Murphy, New Haven’s Economic Development Administrator and a member of the Tweed Authority Board. “Business owners are being attracted by the city’s commitment to encouraging local entrepreneurs and national brands, and residents throughout the region are taking notice,” said Murphy.

Airport officials are doing more to let local people know that convenient, accessible air travel is as close as New Haven, and area businesses and residents are responding.

“We are pleased that the public is responding to our message,” said Tim Larson, Executive Director of the Tweed New Haven Airport Authority. “Our enhanced website, along with a multi-media approach including a presence at UConn basketball games, Facebook and Twitter, is reaching new audiences throughout the State.”

Officials add that the steady growth in passenger departures from Tweed New Haven demonstrates that with greater awareness, and a rebounding economy, prospects for continued growth are strong. They intend to continue working with airline officials to underscore that potential and seek additional service and destinations.

For more information and flight schedules, visit www.flytweed.com or www.usairways.com.