Southwest Airlines has announced that it will initiate service from
Denver International Airport beginning in early 2006. The airline will
announce specifics of its flight schedule and fares via a news conference in
Denver next week.“Southwest has experienced strong Customer demand to serve an obvious gap
in our route network, and this service will return Southwest’s legendary low
fares to Colorado,” said Gary Kelly, Southwest’s Chief Executive Officer.
“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 of Colorado.”
  Southwest’s announcement today is a testament to the positive changes that
have occurred as a result of the construction and cost conscious operation of
Denver International Airport. Southwest served the Denver market between 1983
and 1986 from Stapleton International Airport. Since then, the Denver airport
system has established a strong infrastructure, with six runways, and
substantially reduced its rates on a cost per passenger basis, creating an
economically attractive environment for Southwest Airlines. Additionally,
Denver International Airport was ranked number one for ontime arrivals in
2004, making the airport a great fit for Southwest’s quick aircraft turn
times.
  “Over time, Denver International has dramatically reduced its costs,
increased its efficiency, and demonstrated that Denver can be a viable
opportunity for Southwest Airlines,” Kelly said.  “This year a leading travel
publication named Denver as the ‘Best Airport in North America.’”
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