American Airlines will announce plans today to start flights to Eagle County Airport next fall.
Dallas-based American will offer one daily nonstop 757 flight between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and the Vail Valley through the fall months. The 757 seats 188 passengers.
Currently, United Express from Denver International Airport is the only commercial option into Eagle County in September, October and November.
The Vail Valley Chamber & Tourism Bureau spearheaded the initiative, viewing it as a way to boost business for its 1,000 members during the offseason.
“We’ve got a terrific opportunity to start promoting the Vail Valley as a foliage destination, a fall golf destination,” said Mi chael Robinson, president and chief executive of the chamber. “It has long been our goal to make the Vail Valley a year- round destination.”
The chamber has agreed to make up for any loss that American incurs in the fall, up to a certain point, as it has traditionally done over the summer.
The Eagle County Airport is in the midst of a three-year, $45 million renovation, including a 1,000-foot expansion of its one runway. When completed in 2008, four times as many planes will be able to land per hour, according to airport spokesman Justin Finestone.
Last year, 215,464 people arrived at or departed from the airport on commercial flights. Through August, 183,150 people have landed there this year.
Staff writer Julie Dunn can be reached at 303-954-1592 or jdunn@denverpost.com.
