Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) plays a crucial role in the economic growth and tourism industry of Eagle County. The EGE Air Alliance, a non-profit public-private partnership (501-c6) founded in 2002, supports the local flight service program with the goal of attracting flights to EGE and maintaining a thriving aviation industry in the region. Together, the airport and the alliance work to support Eagle County’s economy and serve locals and visitors alike.

The EGE Air Alliance collaborates with airlines to ensure the continuance of existing flights and to secure new flights to and from the Eagle County Regional Airport. It's important to note that air services are not guaranteed by any airline. The EGE Air Alliance is solely responsible for working directly with the airlines to maintain and expand new flights and air routes into Eagle County.

The airport contributes significantly to the local economy by creating jobs, generating revenue, and promoting business growth. EGE is not only a transportation hub providing easy access to Vail, Beaver Creek, and surrounding communities in the Eagle River Valley and Roaring Fork Valley for our visitors, but the airport stimulates spending in various sectors such as hospitality, retail, dining, and transportation, providing a vital source of income for businesses and residents; the Eagle County Regional Airport connects locals to domestic and international destinations and reduces the need for lengthy drives to Denver.

Two new flights will be available to EGE Airport this summer from Chicago and Houston. United Airlines will operate a direct flight to Chicago from June 7 to September 1, with a total of 26 round trips throughout the summer. The direct route to Houston will run from June 7 to August 18, with 22 round trips scheduled. Both flights will arrive on Friday and Saturday evenings and depart on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Residents of Eagle County can receive a $100 rebate from the EGE Air Alliance when they book flights departing from Eagle County Airport to our new summer 2024 destinations of Chicago and Houston. Please note that some restrictions apply, so please refer to the terms and conditions below. The offer has limited availability, so we recommend that you book your flights as soon as possible. You can visit FlyEagleCounty.com to learn more.

The High-Altitude Army National Guard Aviation Training Site (HAATS) is also located at EGE, is it is a lesser-known facility. It serves as the premier training site for military helicopter pilots, particularly those in the Army National Guard. HAATS has a crucial mission of providing realistic and challenging training scenarios for military helicopter pilots, with a focus on high-altitude flight operations, mountain flying techniques, and environmental considerations unique to mountainous terrain.

HAATS offers various training programs tailored to the needs of military helicopter pilots, such as initial entry training for new pilots, advanced training for experienced pilots, and refresher courses to maintain proficiency in high-altitude operations. The facility encompasses classrooms, briefing rooms, flight simulators, and maintenance facilities to support training operations. Additionally, there are helicopter landing pads and a dedicated training area in the surrounding mountainous terrain where pilots can practice various maneuvers and techniques.

Eagle County Regional Airport and HAATS play a vital role in maintaining community vitality, supporting our tourism industry, and connecting our community to and from Eagle County. It is a crucial asset for our region's connectivity and economy.

Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, the regional chamber of commerce. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com