Boarding Soon–Dallas & Houston to Aspen
United and Continental Airlines have proposed a merger, which could be great news for Aspen. Aspen/Pitkin County Airport authorities hope this merger will increase the flights and/or make it more convenient for visitors from Dallas and Houston.
An article recently printed in The Aspen Times reports, “The deal would create a giant with major hubs in key domestic markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and San Francisco and an international network stretching from Shanghai to South America.” Continental Airlines has a hub in Houston and routinely flies from Dallas to various locations. Once the merger is finalized, direct flights to Aspen and Denver could potentially be offered from both cities.
Skiers from the Lone Star state already account for a large quantity of visitors according to Aspen Skiing Co.’s spokesperson Jeff Hanle. In the 2008-2009 ski season, Dallas was the sixth biggest provider of skiers to Aspen/Snowmass ski areas and Houston was seventh.
The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport website states, “When it comes to getting to your favorite snow destination, no other airport offers the services, convenience, or close proximity to the downhill action as does the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. We’re literally a few minutes from the lifts!” After this merger, let’s hope there will be more visitors choosing Aspen for their snow and summer destination! Currently, United, Frontier and Delta Airlines are the commercial carriers that fly in and out of Aspen.
