By JASON WENTWORTH
Panhandle Post

Beginning June 1st, Alliance Municipal Airport welcomes a new essential air carrier: Denver Air Connection.  But before regularly scheduled flights begin on the 1st, a variety of guests were welcomed on a special preview flight from Alliance to Denver and back.

Along for the trip were Alliance Mayor Mike Dafney; Alliance City Manager Jeff Sprock; Alliance Municipal Airport Manager Lynn Placek; travel agent Laurie Jelinek; and representatives from panhandle media outlets including Panhandle Post.  Escorting the guests, and answering questions along the way, was Denver Air Connection Business Development Director Wade Goetz.

The morning began with an informal chat in the airport conference room, where Placek noted that the Denver Air Connection team was working together with the airport to get the new schedule up and running.  Placek also indicated that the new carrier was planning to add additional flights to the regular schedule during peak travel times, such as the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday weeks.

After flying to Denver, the group enjoyed lunch at Denver International Airport, and met a variety of Denver Air Connection staff.  Then, a quick flight back to Alliance.  The flight itself was a bit noisy; however, Goetz noted that by the June 1st launch planes are expected to be equipped with a newly designed propeller that will substantially reduce in-cabin noise.  The cabin itself is noticeably roomy, with lots of leg room for all passengers.

On June 1st, the official launch of Denver Air Connection in Alliance will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting and special ticket giveaways by the airline.  Outgoing carrier Boutique Air will continue to serve Alliance passengers through May 31st.

Below: A photo gallery of the inaugural Alliance-to-Denver flight.