United Airlines to roll out Houston flights

Aspen Times staff report

ASPEN – Aspen’s commercial air service got a lift Friday when it was announced United Airlines will offer nonstop flights between here and Houston starting in January.

It’s the first time Aspen has had direct, commercial air service to and from a major Texas market since 1995-98, when the now-defunct Lone Star Airlines and Aspen Mountain Air flew here from Dallas.

“This is very exciting news,” said Bill Tomcich, president of Stay Aspen Snowmass, a central reservations firm. “It will facilitate brilliant connections from Texas, Florida and all across South America.

“The Brazilians are going to love this.”

The flight will be offered once daily, starting Jan. 4 and running through April 2.

“The addition of Houston as a destination will open numerous connections for locals and visitors alike that have been challenging in the past,” said Aspen/Pitkin County Airport Director Jim Elwood, in a prepared statement.

In addition to the Houston flight, this ski season United will offer four daily direct flights from Chicago, three from Los Angeles, two from San Francisco, and 11 from Denver. All flights will be operated by SkyWest Airlines with CRJ700 aircraft.

The Houston-Aspen tickets go on sale today.