"Southwest Airlines to add Denver in 2006"

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Southwest Airlines to add Denver in 2006
By SANDY SHORE
The Associated Press

 
DENVER -- Low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines said today it will begin
flying to Denver early next year, going head-to-head with United Airlines as
it emerges from bankruptcy and Frontier Airlines, a Denver-based low-fare
carrier. 

Southwest said it would release schedules and fares next week. It did not
disclose how many gates it will lease at Denver International Airport.

"Denver's growing community is one we have studied and intended to serve for
quite some time, and we look forward to also serving the people of the
entire state," Southwest Chief Executive Officer Gary Kelly said in a
statement.

Dallas-based Southwest has stayed out of Denver International Airport,
citing high airport-associated costs, but airline spokeswoman Whitney
Eichinger said those costs have become more competitive.

She said Southwest was able to accelerate its schedule for starting in
Denver because aircraft became available when the airline reduced service
because of hurricane damage along the Gulf Coast.

United is the dominant carrier in Denver, followed by Frontier.

Frontier spokesman Joe Hodas said the airline competes against Southwest at
other U.S. cities and is awaiting details about Southwest's plans for
Denver.

"Much of our research would indicate that we're very competitive," he said.

Southwest served Denver between 1983 and 1986 at Stapleton International
Airport before it closed and was replaced by DIA.

Aviation analyst Mike Boyd said Southwest's decision to return to Denver is
a necessary one for the carrier, which is battling high costs.

"It kind of validates what we see happening with low-cost carriers, which is
they're running out of places to fly," Boyd said.

On the Net:

Southwest Airlines: http://www.southwestairlines.com 

United Airlines: http://www.ual.com 

Frontier Airlines: http://www.frontierairlines.com


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