14
April
2004
|
03:08 AM
America/Chicago

DFW Airport On-Line Auction Breaking Records - One Week To Go

Web Hits Break 1.5 Million Mark, Bids Exceed $200,000

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas (April 14, 2004) - DFW Airport is entering the final week of the Airport's largest-ever all-Internet auction, and the Airport's numbers -- from web hits to bidders and their bids -- are well ahead of expectations.

The auction closes 10:00 a.m. CDT on April 21.

More than 1.5 million web hits have been recorded by www.renebates.com, the primary site of the Airport's auction, and as high as 312,000 hits per day to dfwairport.com. And more than $220,000 in bids have been received to date, with a flurry of activity anticipated in the closing days of the sale.

In addition more than 7,300 bidders have registered from 30 different countries, from Argentina to the Ukraine. The U.S. government and military have also bid on selected items.

"The numbers are phenomenal, and they reflect a strong interest in DFW's surplus inventory and the quality and values of these items around the world," says Kevin Cox, Chief Operating Officer at DFW. "This is a smart way for DFW to reduce its surplus and produce additional non-airline revenue. We are firm believers in the Internet business model for this type of activity - the results speak for themselves."

Currently, the highest bid item is Lot 158, which is a Ford Tractor, with nine bids and a price of $8,960.00. Other big bids include three other tractors (Lots 159, 161 and 162) with 20+ bids each now going for $7,100.00, and a Kubota Box Blade, Lot 163, currently going for $5,651.00 with 18 bids received to date

Yet Lot 275 featuring toys, games and a framed Brittany Spears poster is a deal at $10.00. And Lot 274 featuring strollers, car seats and a snowboard, is also a bargain at just $45.00.

"Utilization of the Internet allows DFW to reach prospective buyers around the world and results in higher prices than we normally realize in a live auction setting," says John Wesley White, Vice President of Procurement & Materials Management for DFW. "On-line auctions also allow DFW to save time, labor and other expenses associated with conducting live auctions and allows us to have auctions more often, which reduces the additional depreciation and degradation of the equipment associated with waiting until enough materials have been collected to justify conducting a live event."

Bids will continue to be taken at www.renebates.com and www.dfwairport.com until April 21. Successful bidders will be notified shortly after the auction closes to confirm payment and arrange for pick up of their purchases.

Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW International Airport is the world’s third busiest, serving 54 million passengers a year. Offering nearly 2,000 flights daily, DFW Airport provides nonstop service to 136 domestic and 31 international destinations worldwide. For the latest news, real-time flight information, parking availability or further details regarding the many services provided at DFW International Airport log on to www.dfwairport.com.

To arrange interviews contact DFW Public Affairs at 972 574 NEWS (6397) or Ken Capps, Vice President Public Affairs, kcapps@dfwairport.com