Airport Predicts Short-Term Challenges, Long-Term Growth

DFW International Airport says it will continue to work closely with Delta Air Lines in its restructuring efforts here while foreseeing long-term growth for the Airport in the years ahead. The Airport has had communications with Delta officials on the possibility of restructuring. Wednesday, Delta announced it is reducing its daily flights at DFW from 256 to 21, with the remaining flights servicing Delta's other hubs in Atlanta, Cincinnati and Salt Lake City.

Delta expects the new flight schedule to be in place by January 31, 2005. The airline also announced it will also significantly reduce its workforce in North Texas. "Delta is a long-respected tenant of DFW International Airport and has experienced much success as one of our original airlines when we opened in 1974," says Max Wells, Chairman of the DFW International Airport Board of Directors. "Naturally, we all express our concern for Delta's local employees and their families. The airline is doing what it believes is in its best interest to survive, and we're glad the airline will maintain a presence here. DFW will continue to work with Delta on plans to maximize its success and profitability at DFW following the implementation of its restructuring plan."

DFW officials say they're now evaluating the financial impact to the Airport regarding possible Delta operating decisions, and will be implementing cost-cutting procedures to respond as needed. Meanwhile, DFW is already in dialogue with a number of other air carriers who have expressed some interest in expanding service at DFW or initiating new service.The Airport remains a strong, attractive market for expanded and new service, as evidenced by the growth of American Airlines and AirTran Airways over the past year. And DFW has never turned away an airline wanting to offer service here in its 30-year history.

"With the most capacity of any airport in the world, DFW is fortunate to have the size, competitive cost structure and local market strength to 'backfill' many routes reduced by Delta, says Jeff Fegan, CEO of DFW. "All of the aviation business fundamentals that have served DFW well over 30 years, and particularly after 9/11, continue to work well today. DFW is in the geographic center of the United States, we have plenty of capacity for expansion, an extremely strong local travel market, and North Texas is an international business center. We maintain an extremely low cost structure to make it an attractive place for airlines to start and grow service."

DFW's post 9/11 rebound in passenger traffic has continued to outpace the entire industry for the past 17 months.

In July, DFW's passenger traffic was up 8.8%, while the industry was up only 4.2%. The 5.68 million passengers who passed through DFW in July comprised the best month for passenger traffic at DFW since July 2000.DFW will also set an all-time record for local passengers in North Texas this year handling more than 23 million travelers, with local travelers spending nearly $8 billion in airline tickets annually.

Low-cost carriers hit an all-time high for passengers at DFW in July 2004, handling 251,930 passengers, up approximately 21% from the prior year.Delta's decision will have no impact on the opening of International Terminal D, the new SkyLink people mover or the Grand Hyatt Hotel. The Airport also anticipates no impact to its bond ratings. At this point, the Airport anticipates no staff reductions as a result of Delta's decision, but employees will continue to be asked to keep a close eye on costs and expenses while maintaining a strong level of customer service.

No local tax dollars support DFW so there will be no financial impact on its Owner Cities, Dallas and Fort Worth.

DFW currently estimates a $20 million loss in revenue in fiscal 2005 over original projections based on Delta's restructuring and taking into account American Airlines' announcement of 70 new daily departures.

FMI: www.dfwairport.com