Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Frontier route to Friedman eyed

A Denver route would open potential new markets from which to draw new vacation, recreation and busi


By PAT MURPHY
Express Staff Writer

A delegation of eight business, civic and political figures will be in Denver on Feb. 27 to make a pitch to Frontier Airlines to inaugurate daily roundtrip service to Friedman Memorial Airport.

Leading the group will be Ketchum Mayor Randy Hall and Sun Valley Mayor Jon Thorson, according to Carol Waller, executive director of the Sun Valley-Ketchum Chamber & Visitors Bureau. She said others would include Friedman Manager Rick Baird, consultant Kent Myers, and members of a business alliance raising funds to promote new air service if and when it is approved. She said the city of Hailey had not indicated whether it would send a representative.

Colorado-based Myers was hired as architect of the presentation to Frontier Airline officials.

Waller expressed strong optimism about chances for a new air route between Denver and Friedman. She pointed out that since other major ski resorts are already served by United Airlines, which has a hub in Denver, Wood River Valley interests would not be "cannibalizing" air service from those communities.

A Denver route would open potential new markets from which to draw new vacation, recreation and business travelers. A new slogan and Web site—www.FlyToSunValley—and a new umbrella nonprofit business group, Sun Valley Alliance, have been created as part of a new marketing campaign. The business alliance is expected to raise an initial $400,000 to promote Frontier service to Friedman throughout its route system.

A coalition of valley interests coalesced when Frontier sent invitations to more than 50 communities inviting them to make a pitch for Frontier service. The airline, which is increasing service on its existing routes as well as adding routes, has ordered a new fleet of Bombardier Q400 turboprops, the type of 70-plus passenger aircraft flown by Horizon Airlines into Friedman.




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