Oakland International Airport Welcomes Ten Millionth Passenger

Oakland, CA, March, 30, 2000 -- Oakland International Airport today celebrated the boarding of its ten millionth passenger during a 12-month period (April 1, 1999-March 30, 2000), the first time in the airport's 73-year history.

Lavon Naveau of Hayward was recognized as the "Ten Millionth Passenger" by Director of Aviation Steve Grossman as she boarded Southwest Airlines Flight 1785. Ms. Naveau received an Oakland International Airport leather briefcase and the use of a Luxury Suite for an Oakland A's game during the 2000 season, in addition to a pair of tickets courtesy of Southwest Airlines.

"This is a huge milestone for Oakland International Airport," said Director of Aviation Steve Grossman. "In just ten years, the number of passengers using Oakland International has tripled. We thank all of the people who have made Oakland International their airport of choice." Passengers transiting the airport were treated to free refreshments and giveaways, including "10 Millionth Passenger" gingerbread cookies and mementos, and the terminals were decorated with balloons and banners announcing the celebration.

Oakland International Airport served more than 9.8 million passengers in 1999 and handled nearly 700,000 metric tons of air cargo. The airport has more than 150 daily flights on ten domestic and international carriers. It consistently has the best on-time arrival and departure record of all three Bay Area airports, according to statistics kept by the Department of Transportation. Visit the airport's Web site at www.oaklandairport.com for more information.