Blountville, TN-Tri-Cities Regional Airport passenger numbers for the first quarter 2010 declined significantly as compared to last year, reflecting a significant drop in seating capacity as carriers streamline operations. The total number of passengers using the facility dropped 11.9 percent for the quarter, while seating capacity was down more than 21 percent.

"Capacity is an important factor in the number of passengers using the Airport. The more seats available, the more tickets passengers can purchase at an attractive price," said Melissa Thomas, TCRA director of marketing. "Fortunately, we are starting to see some of the seating capacity come back into the market for spring and summer travel."

Delta Air Lines has brought back regional jet service to Detroit and increased the number of daily flights to Atlanta for the summer. US Airways is adding in two flights a week and Allegiant Air has a full schedule for the summer. In March, American Eagle announced it will begin nonstop service between Tri-Cities Regional Airport and Chicago O'Hare International Airport on July 2 with two daily flights aboard 50-passenger regional jets.

The airport also reported a decline in total aircraft movements (take offs and landings), landed weights and air cargo activity for the first quarter.

###