Airport Traffic Stats 2nd Qtr

NATIONAL EXPRESS GROUP PLC
20 July 1999
 
                         National Express Group PLC
                                      
                         Airport Traffic Statistics
                             Second Quarter 1999
 
The number of passengers using East Midlands Airport ('EMA') continued to
grow during the second quarter of 1999.  Total passenger throughput at EMA
for the April-June quarter was 618,895.  This represents an increase of 4.4%
on 1998 levels, when the airport had experienced exceptionally high levels of
passenger throughput, due to an increase in scheduled services and an
improved charter market.  Cumulative passenger numbers for the first half
were 992,994, an increase of almost 8.5% over the same period last year.
 
Cargo and mail throughput was 33,720 tonnes, a marginal increase of 0.1% on
1998 levels.  This represents a recovery on previous quarters and
demonstrates the efficacy of the many initiatives in place to continue to
develop EMA as one of the UK's leading air cargo gateways.
 
The traffic and cargo statistics are summarised below:
 
                          Quarter 2    % change          6 months   % change
                    to 30 June 1999     on 1998   to 30 June 1999    on 1998
                                                                           
 Terminal                                                                  
 passengers                 618,895         4.4           992,994       8.4
                                                                           
 Cargo and Mail                                                            
 (tonnes)                    33,762         0.1            66,031      -6.0
                                                                           
 Air transport                                                             
 movements                   11,829        -0.1            22,012       0.7
 
 
Commenting on these statistics, Phil White, Chief Executive of National
Express Group, said:
 
'These passenger numbers demonstrate that EMA continues to display healthy
and sustainable growth.  There was some reduction during the period in the
inclusive tour and charter sector due to lower demand for popular eastern
Mediterranean destinations during the Kosovan crisis.  However, demand during
the important summer period remains buoyant and further steady growth is
likely to continue as East Midlands consolidates its position as a leading
regional airport.  It is also well placed to benefit from the increasing
emphasis being placed on regional airports' role in improving public
transport systems and easing congestion at airports in the South East of
England.'
 
For further information, please contact:
 
Helen McCorry, Group Communications Manager
Tel:  [phone]