MDA FOR RELEASE Monday, May 10, 2004 US AIRWAYS ANNOUNCES LOWER FARES, ADDITIONAL SERVICE AND REGIONAL JETS FOR SYRACUSE Mayor Driscoll and MDA hail progress in continuing partnership to revitalize Hancock Airport SYRACUSE, N.Y., May 10, 2004 – US Airways, in cooperation with the Metropolitan Development Association of Syracuse and Central New York and Mayor Matthew Driscoll, today introduced lower fares and increased service to several of Hancock International Airport’s top business destinations. In five of the eight-nonstop destinations served by US Airways from Syracuse, the walk-up fares have been reduced by approximately 31-54 percent compared to previous levels and range from $278 to $786 roundtrip. These low fares do not require a minimum stay requirement. They are available between Syracuse and Baltimore/Washington (BWI), Charlotte, N.C., Hartford, Conn., New York LaGuardia and Philadelphia. These business fares on average are 31- to 54-percent lower than traditional walk-up fares offered on these routes. EXAMPLES OF THESE LOW ROUNDTRIP FARES* FROM SYRACUSE DESTINATION DISCOUNT FARE New York LaGuardia 52 percent $278 Baltimore/Washington 56 percent $419 Hartford, Conn. 35 percent $498 Philadelphia 31 percent $598 Charlotte, N.C. 34 percent $786 In addition, US Airways added two daily nonstop regional jet flights between Syracuse and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, bringing the total number of flights on this route to five. These new flights also reflect the company’s plans to transition from the current turbo-prop service to regional jet service. “US Airways has been serving the Syracuse community dependably since 1949 and today we provide the most service of any carrier at Hancock International Airport,” B. Ben Baldanza, US Airways senior vice president of marketing and planning. “Our new fares and schedules are part of our plans to enhance the air service that we provide to Syracuse-area customers.” Baldanza added that in July, US Airways will begin operating its highly popular new Embraer 170 regional jet aircraft between Syracuse and Reagan National. "Today's announcement is the direct result of the MDA Air Service committee and US Airways working together to assess the needs of business travelers and identify new opportunities for growth in Central New York," said MDA Vice Chairman Peter Soderberg. "This agreement shows US Airways' dedication to build upon its long history in Syracuse and to grow in this region. I am confident that the region's businesses will respond positively to these new fares and service enhancements and I hope US Airways and the MDA will be able to offer even more good news in the future." “This initiative is the continuation of our plan to re-invent the Airport, and today signifies more choice for the flying public. It creates lower cost air fares and the overall competition improves the level of service at the Airport. This type of initiative was made possible by a partnership between the City of Syracuse and the Metropolitan Development Association. Partnerships like these will continue to create growth and opportunity at Syracuse Hancock International Airport,” said Mayor Matthew Driscoll. "Step by step, we are breaking the back of high air fares in the region," said Irwin L. Davis, president and CEO of the MDA. "This commitment today by Hancock's largest carrier offers more bottom line relief to our region's businesses that are dependent on air travel to serve customers around the nation and the world. US Airways transition to regional jet service also is another sign of their commitment to the quality air service for the region." "US Airways has lowered fares to some of the most popular destinations for our business and others in the region," said Michael Gambino, President and CEO of Pass & Seymour/Legrand. "For the business traveler often traveling on short notice, this is good news that has a bottom line impact." "This agreement goes a long way in meeting two of our airport working group's primary goals - expanded jet service and lower, more reasonable fares," said Congressman Jim Walsh (NY-25). "The MDA and US Airways deserve congratulations for their efforts. Our next major goal is to create a regional airport authority to run Hancock International Airport." These permanent changes to the Syracuse fare structure are immediately available. The MDA, representing the business leadership of Central New York, is the region's principal private-sector vehicle for the implementation of key development projects. The MDA focuses unprecedented resources on initiatives involving economic development, education, transportation, urban planning, and regional cooperation. The MDA is a not-for- profit planning, research and development organization serving the entire region. The MDA's accomplishments represent the efforts of a diverse group of people who share one common goal: a better way of life in Central New York and enhanced opportunities for all who live here. US Airways is the seventh-largest airline in the U.S., serving nearly 200 communities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. US Airways, US Airways Shuttle and the US Airways Express partner carriers operate over 3,200 flights per day. *Taxes/ Fees/ Surcharges: Fares do not include a federal excise tax of $3.10, which will be imposed on each flight segment of the itinerary - a flight segment is defined as a takeoff and a landing. These fares do not include the September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 per itinerary and do not include up to $18 in airport passenger facility charges where applicable. Depending on the market, part of the service may be on regional aircraft operated by US Airways Express carriers Allegheny, Chautauqua, Colgan, MidAtlantic Airways, Piedmont, PSA, Shuttle America or Trans States. Seats are limited and may be sold out on some flights/dates. Some fares are nonrefundable, must be purchased three days before travel or require roundtrip travel. Other conditions may apply. Media contacts: Mayor Driscoll’s Office 315.448-8005 US Airways Corporate Affairs MDA Contact 703.872.5100 Tim Carroll, 315.422.8284 .