Bangor International Airport forecast to be the fastest-growing airport in the U.S. over the next five years.

Bangor International Airport has been predicted to be the nation's fastest-growing airport by 2009, according to a new report released today from the Boyd Group, an aviation consulting and forecasting firm. The report covered 133 airports with five-year projections. The forecast is based on analyses of dynamic factors. These include demographic shifts, projected economic and business changes, and identifications of shifts in airline strategies and fleet applications.

Noted aviation expert Michael Boyd, President of The Boyd Group, Inc. (specializing in aviation consulting and commentary) notes that Bangor International Airport has demonstrated significant growth in the arena of passenger enplanements and airline service additions. Boyd points out that of 133 airports surveyed
comprising 95% of all US passenger traffic that BGR ranks number one for anticipated growth.

Mike Boyd of Evergreen, Colorado-based The Boyd Group/ASRC Inc. says his firm's just-completed report, titled "Airports: USA," predicts the number of passengers boarding airliners at BGR will grow 31.9 percent by 2009 versus 2004 figures. The double-digit percentage increase puts BGR at the top of the report's list of fastest-growing airports out of 133 airports measured.

The driving force behind the anticipated increase in passengers at BGR, Boyd says, is Bangor International Airport’s emergence as a regional gateway . Boyd attributes BGR’s “impressive” growth to the Airport’s “unique and aggressive” marketing and air service development program, as well as the Airport’s ease of use and accessibility to Maine passengers seeking excellent connections and competitively priced air service options.

Bangor International Airport Director Rebecca L. Hupp noted: “It is rewarding to see the region’s
passengers using BGR in increasing numbers. Our jet flying has increased to 100% and passengers are
responding positively to the continued increase in flights. Passenger growth fuels air service expansion. The airlines look to passenger numbers when planning future expansions, we are optimistic the passenger growth trend will continue.”

Bangor Mayor Frank Farrington commented: "Bangor International Airport's continued growth is good news for the region. Local and regional consumers are certainly discovering that the Airport offers convenient and affordable air service close to home. Using your own airport is the best way to help grow air service locally, which ultimately means lower prices."