(Blountville, Tenn.)-- The number of passengers using Tri-Cities Regional Airport declined 7.8 percent during the first quarter 2007 compared to the same quarter last year, continuing a slide that can be directly attributed to rising fares. For several months, TRI has been watching fares increase both locally and nationally as air carriers struggle with rising fuel costs.

"Fares have been rising steadily for the past two years, and we know there is a direct relationship between fares and the number of passengers using the Airport," says Melissa Thomas, director of marketing and air service development. "Much of the increase has to do with rising fuel costs, fewer seats available for sale and lack of low fare competition in the market."

The addition of Allegiant Air service to Orlando-Sanford should have a positive impact on passenger numbers in coming months. Allegiant Air is a low fare operation that focuses on selling travel packages and carrying large numbers of leisure passengers. Allegiant begins non-stop service to Orlando-Sanford May 17 with two nonstop round trip flights each week.

"The Allegiant service is the first, true low-fare air service the Airport has been able to offer. If the community really supports the Orlando service, it is very likely Allegiant will consider TRI for additional destinations in the future."

Total Passenger Activity 2007