Blountville, TN—The number of passengers using Tri-Cities Regional Airport during 2008 dropped 4.7 percent compared to 2007—an expected decline due to industry turmoil and a shaky economy. Fourth quarter numbers declined 10.5 percent year over year; however, December figures held steady with a slight increase of 0.2 percent as compared to the previous year.

"We anticipated that passenger numbers would decline during the fourth quarter as air carriers raised fares and reduced the number of available seats in an effort to combat the summer’s record high fuel prices and declining demand," said Melissa Thomas, TCRA director of marketing. "But, more competitive fares from US Airways and Delta, plus the new Allegiant service to Tampa/Clearwater/St. Petersburg and the reinstatement of Ft. Lauderdale service in November helped preserve passenger numbers during December," said Thomas

Total air cargo transiting the Airport decreased 1.5 percent for the year, and total landed weights increased 2.3 percent for the year. The increased landed weights can be attributed to the larger, heavier aircraft operated by Allegiant Air and charter aircraft. Overall aircraft movements declined 11.8 percent for the period.

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