WASHINGTON, D.C. –- The Federal Aviation Administration forecasts that domestic large-carrier enplanements will increase from 482.2 million in fiscal-year 2003 to 738.4 million in 2015, an average annual rate of 3.6%. Domestic large-carrier enplanements are projected to return to pre-9/11 levels by 2007.

(The fiscal year extends from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30.)

U.S. large-carrier international enplanements are forecast to grow an average of 5.2% per year over the same 12-year period, jumping from 50.5 million in 2003 to 93 million in 2015. The FAA forecast that total U.S. large-carrier international enplanements will return to pre-9/11 levels in 2004.

In 2003, total landings and takeoffs at combined FAA and contract towers were down 3.3%, the lowest level since 1996. Commercial activity is now at 1997 levels, while non-commercial activity is at 1995 levels, the FAA said.