United to serve valley next year

The Daily Inter Lake

Beginning in the summer, Flathead Valley residents will be able to fly nonstop to Denver and Chicago on United Airlines.

Glacier Park International Airport director Cindi Martin said twice daily nonstop jet service from Denver International Airport to GPI will begin June 7.

That service, and weekend flights from Chicago O'Hare International to GPI, will be operated by SkyWest Airlines.

Martin said 50-passenger Canadair CRJ-200s and 66-passenger RJ-700 jets will be used. Ticket sales begin Jan. 1.

"The new nonstop service from Denver and Chicago will greatly improve the ability of Northwest Montana's 125,000 residents to travel quickly and efficiently to all points" in the United States, Martin wrote in a press release.

Just as important is the options for travelers who want to come to this region, Martin said.

She credited Liz Marchi and the Flathead County Economic Development Authority for their help.

"The large markets of the Midwest, including Denver and Chicago, are important business growth markets for us," Marchi said.

Linda Anderson, executive director of Glacier Country, the area's tourism association, said the new flights are "a very exciting opportunity for travelers and tourists into our area."