“BEST EVER” BY LOCAL OFFICIALS

(Aspen, CO) The seasonal return of nonstop service from Chicago beginning this Saturday on United Express signals the beginning of a schedule build-up over the next several weeks that will bring more nonstop flights from more cities this winter than in the history of the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.

“SkyWest’s sizable fleet of CRJ-700’s has created some unique scheduling opportunities for United Express not possible before,” said Aspen/Pitkin County Airport Director, Jim Elwood. “We’ve seen a significant expansion of United’s nonstop flights from Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco and Delta has announced a new nonstop service from their Atlanta hub beginning in February,” Elwood said.

Seat availability on United Express, Delta Connection and US Airways Express is up as much as 26% during the first two weeks of December, 19% through the Christmas/New Year holidays, 9% from early January through mid-February and up nearly 13% from mid-February through the end of the ski season.

“Two years ago when the only nonstop flight offered beyond United’s Denver hub was one daily trip from LAX, I never dreamed we would soon be seeing 40 nonstop flights per week from United’s other hubs in Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco,” said Bill Tomcich, President of central reservations agency, Stay Aspen Snowmass.” This is a direct result of Sky West’s introduction of the CRJ-700 aircraft,” Tomcich said.

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met with United Airlines officials last July to discuss improvements to reliability and customer service after some difficult travel days at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport last winter.

“We know that winter 06-07 was a difficult one for our passengers, and we've spent the last several months partnering with United and Delta to make significant improvements to our Aspen operation,” said President and Chief Operating Officer of SkyWest Airlines, Chip Childs.

In addition to improving the reliability of its aircraft, United officials last summer promised Commissioners that they would increase the number of customer service representatives at the airport this winter to better accommodate travelers.

“This is good news for the Airport,” said Chair of the BOCC, Michael Owsley. “We are committed to improving Airport service, safety and reliability.”