Regional Air Program Soars Rebrands as Colorado Flights Alliance “We’re adding flights each season and looking to take air service in the region to new levels,” said Colorado Flights COO Matt Skinner. The Telluride Montrose Regional Air Organization—“A bit of a mouthful,” noted Skinner—has rebranded and relaunched as Colorado Flights Alliance. With its core mission in place—to stimulate economic development by attracting and retaining air service—the organization is taking on a larger region. “Colorado’s central Western Slope is not just an assortment of individual economies, it’s a collection of communities and world-class amenities that drive a larger economy,” said Skinner, who has hung his hat on the marketing of the Durango and Telluride ski areas for over ten years. Garnering support from other served communities, the air organization now partners with Crested Butte, is expanding its relationship with Montrose, and will be looking to include Ouray, Ridgway and even Delta. “As a driver of the regional economy, it is vital that Colorado Flights takes a true regional approach in sustaining and growing air service for our residents, businesses, stakeholders and guests.” Colorado Flights currently partners with United, Delta, American and Allegiant Airlines on non-stop winter service to the Montrose Regional Airport from Chicago, Newark, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Phoenix and Los Angeles in coordination with Denver-Montrose service, as well as support-
ing Denver-Telluride service. Additionally, Colorado Flights works with United and American on non-stop summer service from Houston and Dallas to Montrose in coordination with Denver-Montrose service. The organization also partners with Crested Butte Mountain Resort on its Allegiant flights, and there are discussions about including other carriers and routes. Colorado Flights and the Telluride Tourism Board have also been working with the City of Montrose on various levels of an expanded partnership, including flight support and marketing. “The air organization provides access, in and out, for a large portion of Colorado’s Western Slope and, in turn, supports all sectors of the regional economy as well as the whole,” said Michael Martelon, CEO of the Telluride Tourism Board. “Colorado Flights is positioned perfectly to bring together the region’s stakeholders in a unified effort.” “We are excited about the new brand and expanded focus, and will be reaching out to communities and stakeholder groups to combine resources on air service, including the support of marketing campaigns,” said Skinner. “We compete against much larger dogs out there, and it takes this kind of coordinated program to excel against the competition.” a —Mary Duffy
winter 2013-2014
New Direct Flight Service from Los Angeles Allegiant airlines has great news for guests in the Los Angeles area. Starting December 21, Allegiant will fly direct from LAX to Telluride/Montrose (MTJ) on Wednesdays and Saturdays through March 29. United Airlines also flies from LAX to MTJ on Saturday and Sundays throughout the winter. Allegiant will continue to offer flight service from Phoenix to Montrose this winter. To book Allegiant flights, visit allegiantair.com.
Telluride & Mountain Village Visitor’s Guide
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