Alexandria, VA— The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has announced the start of construction of a new cargo facility at Washington Dulles International Airport. The structure will be comprised of 43,000 square feet of warehouse space and 11,000 square feet of office space, located on the west area of the Airport. This latest expansion of cargo facilities, which adds to the already existing 500,000 square feet of warehouse and office space currently in use at the Airport, is intended to keep pace with the annual double digit increase in cargo shipments via Dulles. A construction contract for $3.2 million has been awarded to Vista Contracting, Inc. of Washington, D.C., for completion in March 1999.

Said Airports Authority President/CEO James A. Wilding, ACargo is a significant indicator of an airport=s strength and viability. From 1996 to 1997, cargo carried through Dulles has increased by 13.3 %. International air freight alone grew 26.1 % during 1997. It=s important for us to continue to provide the facilities needed to support this important component of air service.@

The increase in cargo is a result of new airlines operating at Dulles and increases in service by existing airlines. In addition, the growth of high tech business in the Dulles corridor has fueled the cargo as well as passenger increases.

The facility, known as Cargo 6, was designed by International Airports Consultants, Inc. PLC, a joint venture between Campbell and Paris Engineers of Chantilly and Wisnewski Blair and Associates, Ltd of Alexandria.

####