Leading economist Dr. Bernard Weinstein from the University ofNorth Texas presented his findings in DFW's Terminal E, which willbe practically empty by Jan. 31, 2005, when the Atlanta-based Deltaslashes its gate count from 254 to 21. "Since 1990, Dallas/FortWorth has been the fastest-growing major metropolitan area in thenation in terms of people and jobs," says Weinstein, whoco-authored the report with Dr. Terry Clower. "Without question,DFW International Airport is one of the economic engines that hashelped sustain that growth."

Airport officials' project roster ensures the facility willretain its competitive hook over the long run. But, Weinstein says,"for the near term, the airport faces some serious challenges."

DFW officials are continuing to search for a discount carrier tobackfill some gates, but many are steering clear of the region dueto Southwest Airlines' route expansion plan and firm commitment toLove Field in Dallas. "Rest assured, DFW will continue toaggressively reach out to low-fare carriers to fill the void leftby Delta," Joe Lopano, DFW's executive vice president of marketingand terminal management, says in a press release.