New Carriers and Expanded Service Transform Eagle County Airport

The recent expansions at Eagle County Airport (EGE) and Vail Valley Jet Center (VVJC) have been a very welcome development for the Vail Valley, making it easier than ever for visitors to reach our resorts. This season, EGE has expanded its offerings with new carriers like Frontier Airlines and Alaska Airlines, providing nonstop flights from major hubs such as Denver, Dallas, San Francisco, San Diego, and Seattle. These new routes not only streamline travel but also open up our valley to a wider audience, making it more accessible than ever before. Additionally, since Signature Aviation acquired VVJC in 2021, investments in expanded hangar space have catered to the growing demand for private jet travelers, attracting more high-net-worth individuals to our resorts. Together, these developments are making flying into Eagle County Airport and visiting the Vail Valley easier and more convenient than ever before.

Frontier Airlines Brings Year-Round Connectivity to the Valley

Frontier Airlines' newly launched year-round service to EGE from Denver (twice weekly), Dallas (twice weekly), and San Francisco (weekly) is an especially exciting development for the Vail Valley. As a major regional carrier with deep Colorado roots, Frontier brings convenient and affordable access from these key hubs, delivering a game-changer for our local businesses. Off-season connectivity has long been a hurdle for our community, with fewer airline options impacting the valley's vitality during quieter months. David Reid, Aviation Director for Eagle County, recently noted that EGE's core mission is to provide "year-round, affordable, accessible air service for our community and for all the travelers that come into this valley." Frontier's expanded routes are a major step towards realizing that goal by keeping us connected year-round and making our mountain destination more inviting than ever. With fares starting at just $99, these flights open the doors wider, welcoming more visitors to support our local businesses.

Our Experience at Blue Sky Limo

At Blue Sky Limo, we've experienced a significant uptick in business over the course of this season that is directly tied to these advancements. Our transfers from EGE have surged by 12% compared to last season, while our private jet pickups from VVJC have risen by 7%, reflecting the airport's record growth in passenger enplanements. Our growth closely aligns with EGE's overall passenger increase of over 20% year-to-date heading into fall 2024. We're particularly excited about the airport's $100 flight rebate program for Eagle County residents using the new Alaska Airlines routes to Seattle and San Diego, as it's encouraging more locals to utilize our airport and support businesses like ours.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, we anticipate continued growth as EGE pursues even more routes to destinations like Central Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Charlotte, Minneapolis, and Boston. The potential addition of Southwest Airlines and the planned international terminal, which could break ground as early as spring 2026 if funding comes together, would further boost the valley's accessibility. As Eagle Airport continues to evolve with its 20-year master plan, including terminal upgrades and improved parking facilities, we're positioning ourselves to meet the growing demand while maintaining our commitment to exceptional service for all travelers.

Gratitude and Well Wishes

As this 2024/25 ski season comes to a close, we would like to wish all fellow small local business owners of the Vail Valley a successful last few weeks and best of luck in the summer months ahead. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to the team at Eagle Airport for their visionary leadership in transforming EGE into the thriving transportation hub it has become. Their commitment to expanding year-round, affordable air service has created tremendous opportunities that benefit all of us.