U.S. Congressman John Boozman 3rd District of Arkansas

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Washington, Jan 18, 2008 - U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today praised Northwest Airlines for its decision to use the name Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) in all references to help alleviate traveler confusion.

“I thank Northwest for its decision to assist travelers to Northwest Arkansas by using the proper name of the facility,” Boozman said. “It is my hope that other airlines will respond to my request to solve the confusion that many travelers to our area encounter by not knowing the proper name of Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport, for it is something airport officials have been dealing with for years.”

On January 8, Rep. Boozman wrote a letter to the Air Transport Association, the premier trade organization of the principal U.S. airlines, asking for the organization’s assistance in convincing carriers use a common naming convention in reference to XNA.

“We have learned of several travelers who have missed flights at Northwest Arkansas Regional because they asked their cab driver to take them to the ‘Fayetteville’ airport and ended up at Drake Field,” Boozman said. “I have also had members of my staff tell me of going to a gate for a flight to ‘NW Ark Regional’, boarding a plan to ‘Bentonville’, and being welcomed to ‘Fayetteville’ upon landing. If I were a first time visitor to our area, I’m not sure I would get off the plane after that.”

Northwest Airlines informed Rep. Boozman that, after receiving his letter, it would change all of its signage, pilot and flight attendant manuals, and website to reflect the changes requested by Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport. The airline joins American Eagle in the name correction.

“This is a real success for the airport, and travelers to Northwest Arkansas,” Boozman said. “It is my hope this decision will result in a domino effect among other airlines so that all visitors to the area know where they are when they land.”