United Airlines said Monday it will resume daily seasonal flights between Denver and London in the spring, thanks to falling fuel prices and strong demand.
Gov. Bill Ritter announced the service during a call from Japan with reporters. Ritter and 40 business leaders are there, in part, to persuade All Nippon Airways to begin direct flights between Denver and Tokyo.
United launched service between Denver International Airport and London Heathrow Airport in March but canceled the service in June because of climbing fuel costs. The last flight was at the end of October.
United spokeswoman Robin Urbanski said falling fuel prices and strong consumer demand in the Rocky Mountain region prompted the airline to reinstate the flights. The service will begin March 29 and continue through October, using a Boeing 777.
Ritter said efforts to convince All Nippon got off to a strong start Monday during a meeting at the Japanese ministry of foreign affairs.
“They understand that this is a route that could be beneficial both to Denver and to Japan,” he said.
Airline officials responded positively to a presentation by DIA manager Kim Day, Ritter said.
“The CEO of the airline basically agreed she was right in how she was framing the analysis,” he said.
State and city officials believe the Boeing 787, a new plane All Nippon could begin flying next year, increases their chances of luring the Japanese carrier. The ultra-efficient aircraft is smaller than a Boeing 747 or 777 but has a long range.
Denver is believed to be competing with Seattle, Los Angeles, Boston and Miami for new All Nippon service.
Ritter said he planned to concentrate during the rest of the Japan visit on promoting Colorado’s alternative-energy and biotechnology industries. Later in the week, the group travels to China.
Greg Griffin: 303-954-1241 or ggriffin@denverpost.com
