May 2002 - FRA Traffic Results: Fraport AG Expects Passenger Figures to Rise Again in the Third Quarter

Frankfurt, Germany (OTS) - Positive Conclusion of the Regional
Planning Procedure Creates Optimism; "FRA Remains Our Main Partner"
Says Lufthansa's Weber

Frankfurt Airport's (FRA) traffic figures show that May 2002 was
the best month so far this year. Some 4.2 million passengers used FRA
in May 2002, only 1.3 percent less than the same month last year.
This relatively good result is due to low base-year figures -- in May
last year Lufthansa pilots were on strike. Still, the result confirms
Fraport AG's estimate that the first positive traffic figures can be
expected in the third quarter of 2002. Fraport continues to be
concerned about the sluggish economy and the still weak tourism
business. In this connection German tour operators say that economic
factors are holding back holiday bookings, although with increasing
price sensitivity some destinations are beginning to show growth
again. For example, FRA's Turkish market is showing positive results;
and Egypt is also moving towards growth.

Air cargo tonnage at Germany's largest airport saw positive
development in May 2002. FRA, handled some 121,100 metric tons of
airfreight, up two percent over the same month last year. Experience
shows that the air cargo sector is an important early indicator for a
developing world economy. Therefore, the current results could be an
indicator for the expected recovery in the global economy during the
second half of 2002. At the same time, the results could also be the
first sign of the hoped for rebound in Germany.

Like Fraport AG, the airlines also expect a recovery. Lufthansa's
executive board chairman, Dipl.-Ing. Jürgen Weber, confirmed this
today in joint press conference at FRA held with Fraport AG's
executive board chairman, Dr. Wilhelm Bender. Lufthansa is counting
on growth and is counting on the expansion of Frankfurt, its main
base," said Weber. "FRA is important for many reasons including its
overwhelming significance for the German export economy." Weber
welcomed the conclusion of the Regional Planning Procedure (ROV) as a
key step for Fraport AG's expansion plans. Frankfurt must not be
slowed down," demanded Weber, "because FRA is and will remain our
main partner."

Bender also spoke positively of the ROV decision, which evaluated
the Runway Northwest option as the most compatible with regional
planning requirements. "This important evaluation is a vital stop for
Germany's role in air transportation and will allow FRA to
participate in medium and long-term development and growth
opportunities in the aviation sector," said Bender,

The current number of aircraft movements (takeoffs and landings)
at FRA also reflects the aviation industry's of an imminent upswing.
In May 2002, FRA recorded its first positive results in this traffic
category, with 39,209 takeoffs and landings (an increase of 0.4
percent over the same period last year). By the end of May, the
airlines had resumed most of the flights that they had temporary
suspended after 9/11. However, the airlines continue to use smaller
aircraft for some services. Thus, the Maximum Takeoff Weights (MTOW)
reached 2.1 million metric tons in May 2002, 2.6 percent below the
same month last year.

Frankfurt Airport's Traffic Figures for May 2002

May 2002 Change (2) Jan.-May Change (2)
May 02/ 2002 Jan.-May
May 01 02/01

Passengers 4.2 -1.3% 18.6 -4.2%
in millions

Airfreight 121.1 2.0% 594.7 -4.5%
in thousands of
metric tons

Airmail 10.9 4.5% 57.8 0.4%
in thousands of
metric tons

Aircraft 39.2 O.4% 183.4 -1.6%
Movements (1)
in thousands

MTOWs 2,120.1 -2.8% 9,820.8 -6.1%
in thousands of
metric tons

Punctuality 86.5 81.4
share of punctual arrivals
and departures in percent

(1) Excluding military flights
(2) Rate of change based on unrounded numbers

ots Original Text Service: Fraport AG

Rückfragehinweis:

Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide
Attn: Robert A. Payne - Manager International Press
60547 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Tel.: +49 69 690 -78547 / Fax: +49 69 690 -60548
mailto:r.payne@fraport-de
Internet: http://www.fraport.com

OTE001 2002-06-14/10:56

OTS-ORIGINALTEXT UNTER AUSSCHLIESSLICHER INHALTLICHER VERANTWORTUNG DES AUSSENDERS | EUN/EUN/OTS

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