Armstrong International Airport Reports End of Year Record Numbers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Michelle C. Wilcut
Deputy Director and Chief Customer Service Liaison
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
504-303-7552

Armstrong International Airport Reports End of Year Record Numbers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --- March 1, 2012 --- The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport reported a record number of passengers traveled through Armstrong International Airport in 2011.

The 2011 passenger volume increased 4.2% to 8,546,980 up from 8,203,305 in 2010, exceeding the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) national growth projection of 3%. Enplaned passengers were 4,247,932, a 4.1% increase over 2010 and deplaned passengers increased 3.7% to 4,233,151. December 2011 monthly passengers totaled 686,109 for a 4.25% increase over 2010. Additional non-stop flight service since 2010 influenced the passenger numbers and the growth increase.

Southwest Airlines was the volume leader carrying 32% of all MSY passengers or over 2.7 million passengers.

Commercial air carrier flight operations, including charters and cargo for the year totaled 92,712 operations compared to 89,003 in 2010 for an increase of 4%. Cargo activity at Armstrong International was 48,464 metric tonnes of freight and mail.

"As Armstrong International continues to exceed the national average for growth projections, it is a clear sign of the strength of the Greater New Orleans Metropolitan area to draw visitors for business and pleasure and the confidence of the airlines in our market," said Iftikhar Ahmad, Armstrong Director of Aviation.

Aviation Board Chairman Nolan Rollins stated, "This is one more positive expression that we have a great city. We want to thank our airline partners that serve our region for their commitment to our community."

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For further information, contact Michelle C. Wilcut, Media Relations, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, at 504-628-0250 (cell) or visit the Airport website, http://www.flymsy.com/ and follow the Airport on Facebook and Twitter.