United returns to airport with Denver flights

Huntsville International Airport is welcoming back United Airlines, which started direct flights to Denver International Airport on Wednesday.

United left the Huntsville market in 1994 after 50 years of service, said Rick Tucker, the airport's executive director. "We couldn't wait to welcome them back to Huntsville."

The nonstop Denver service will be attractive to both business and leisure travelers, said Jeff Sikes, chairman of the Huntsville-Madison County Airport Authority. Not only is United returning to the Huntsville market, the carrier is "bringing us a unique service."

The Denver flights are aboard Explus, the United Express 70-seat regional jet service, with amenities that include first class. The flights, operated by United Express partner SkyWest, leave Huntsville at 2:39 p.m. and arrive in Denver at 4:30 p.m. The Denver-to-Huntsville flight departs at 10:49 a.m. and arrives at 2:05 p.m.

"We're glad to partner (with the Huntsville community) when you're experiencing such growth and prosperity," said Goria Cunningham, an account manager with United Airlines.

United also will offer nonstop service to Washington Dulles International Airport beginning April 9.

The addition of two more destinations from Huntsville is "fortunate for our community," Tucker said.

Amanda and Mike Brown of Eugene, Ore., were aboard the inaugural Denver-to-Huntsville flight with their young children, Reagan and Andrew, to visit family members here.

The Browns usually fly with American Airlines from Eugene, with stops in Portland and Dallas. The new Denver service means only one stop for them.

"This is the quickest trip we've ever had" flying to Huntsville, said Amanda Brown, after walking onto the airport concourse.