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BWI Airport Serves Record High Number Of Passengers In 2011

BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- BWI Marshall Airport tops itself with an all-time record high in annual passenger traffic. Governor Martin O'Malley announced Wednesday that more than 22.39 million commercial passengers flew through the airport in 2011, a 2.1 percent increase over the previous year.

"BWI Marshall Airport's continued success is great news for residents, businesses, and travelers in Maryland and throughout the entire National Capital region," O'Malley said. "The airport is an important transportation and economic resource that supports 21,000 jobs. This record year is another sign of Maryland's strong recovery from the national economic downturn."

Southwest Airlines, the leading carrier at BWI, also set a record by providing 195 daily departures from the airport during the peak summer travel months last year and captured 56 percent of the passenger market at BWI. Southwest served more than 12.5 million passengers in 2011, a 7 percent increase from 2010.

"At BWI Marshall, we emphasize customer service and a convenient experience for our travelers," said Paul J. Wiedefeld, executive director of BWI Marshall Airport. "We continue to work with our airline partners to offer an expanding selection of domestic and international air service."

Delta Air Lines, U.S. Airways and British Airways also saw passenger increases in 2011.

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