From the Chairman

As the Airport Authority enters the fourth quarter of 2007, there is much to celebrate. Early predictions indicate that we will exceed 10 million travelers for the first time since 2001.

RDU continues to increase its air service. This year we have seen the addition of nine new destinations and twenty-one new flights. With the new terminal scheduled to open in summer 2008, we are growing in size as well.

It is a great testament to the growth of the airport and the region, but mostly to our customers. The air service wouldn’t come without passengers to fill the additional flights. The airport wouldn’t build a larger terminal if there weren’t people to fill it.

This is a reciprocal situation. Our strong traveler base is rewarded with average airfares that are lower than the U.S. domestic average. Our rates have been lower than the national average for the last eight years.

As we ramp up operations for the fall and winter holiday season, we can give thanks for many things. Thanks for friends and family. Thanks for a great and prosperous region. Thanks for citizens that like to travel and great fares RDU provides those travelers.

Travel safe,

Michael Weeks, Chairman
Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority

Back to the Newsletter