SECURITY HEIGHTENED AT AIRPORT

Avoca, PA (August 9, 2006) -- In response to a terrorist threat in the UK and according to Homeland Security directives, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport has instituted heightened security measures.

The Department of Homeland Security has raised the threat level to Orange for all commercial aviation in the U.S. and Red for all flights from the United Kingdom to the U.S.

The Airport Director was notified at 3:10 AM this morning. The Airport Emergency Plan was implemented at that time and everything has been running smoothly thus far.

Anyone flying today should arrive at the airport 1.5 to 2 hours prior to their scheduled departure. TSA screening lines will be longer than usual and additional screening is being conducted at the gate.

What to expect when arriving at the airport:
· Increased Luzerne and Lackawanna County Sheriff and PA State Police patrols and K-9 units
· Inability to leave vehicle unattended at the curb for any reason or for any amount of time

What to expect at gate screening:
· No liquids or gels of any kind will be permitted in carry on baggage (including all beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, tooth paste, hair gel or other items of similar consistency). Place these items in your checked baggage ONLY
· Exceptions are made for baby formula, breast milk and medicines -- be prepared to present these for inspection at the checkpoint
· Random inspections at the gate prior to boarding aircraft
· Additional information is available at www.flyavp.com.

Other behind-the-scenes security measures are also in place.