Great Lakes, which had operated direct flights into Telluride for 17 years, will run year-round flights between Telluride (TEX) and Denver International Airport (DEN), averaging 10 flights per week, with one per day during slower periods and two or more per day during busier times of year. Great Lakes will serve Telluride with twin-engine 19-passenger Beechcraft 1900 planes. The trip takes 45 minutes, and leaves guests with a 10-minute ride into town or to the resort.

“Commercial air service to TEX is hugely important to both visitors and residents alike, and we have been diligently working on its return for the past two years, exploring every possible option,” said Colorado Flights COO Matt Skinner. “Ultimately, we are more than pleased to have our original partner, who knows the airport and the operation, back flying here.”

Added Jon Dwight, chairman of the board of the Telluride Regional Airport Authority, “This is what the Telluride community has been looking for, and we are pleased that both Colorado Flights and the Telluride Airport have been able to deliver.”

In a bid to reduce weather impacts on the route, Great Lakes is installing advanced avionics into its fleet. In addition, should conditions require diversion to other airports, flights will now go to the Montrose (MTJ) Airport, rather than to Cortez as in the past. In winter, major airlines have more than 70 scheduled flights weekly into Montrose, which offers established ground transportation options to Telluride.

Great Lakes continues in its relationship with United Airlines, and the flights and their national and international connections will be available through both www.United.com and www.FlyGreatLakes.com