January 19, 2012
Contact:
Lori Hoffman-Soares
Airport Manager
(203) 466-8833, ext. 102
NEAR RECORD HIGH FOR PASSENGERS FLYING FROM TWEED
Upward Trend Continues With 11% Increase in
Passengers Flying From Southern Connecticut’s Airport
NEW HAVEN, CT – 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.
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 2011departures
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.
-more-
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.
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