N  E  W  S    R  E  L  E  A  S  E

CHATTANOOGA AIRPORT GAINING ADDITIONAL SERVICE TO CHICAGO AND CHARLOTTE

Four added flights increase airline seat capacity from

 Chattanooga by more than 10%

Contact:  Christina Siebold, Manager of Community Relations;
Telephone 423-855-2234; or e-mail at csiebold@chattairport.com

(January 4, 2005) – The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport will gain four additional flights into the city between January 1, 2005 and February 7, 2005. Airport Authority officials report that American Eagle will begin additional regional jet service between Chattanooga and Chicago on January 31, 2005. The new flight will depart Chicago at 8:59 a.m. and arrive in Chattanooga at 11:32 a.m. then depart Chattanooga at 12:02 p.m. and arrive back in Chicago at 12:51 p.m. This new flight adds to American Eagle’s current schedule of two daily jet flights between Chattanooga and Chicago.

US Airways Express added one daily flight to Charlotte on January 2, 2005 and will add two more flights on February 7, bringing their total to eight daily flights to Charlotte. The flights added in February will both be operated on regional jets, adding to US Airways’ strong presence in the Chattanooga market. The airline also operates daily nonstop service to Washington D.C.

“Our passengers have requested more jet service and more scheduling options on flights from Chattanooga,” said Mike Landguth, President and CEO of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority. “Once again, our partnership with both the community and the airlines is reaping rewards for local travelers as American Eagle and US Airways have recognized and responded to their needs.”

“Our community is focused like never before on building stronger air service, and this is exactly the way we meet that goal, one step at a time, by continually adding flights and options,” said Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker. “And as our citizens use these new options, our potential to add additional service will grow.”