Denver lobbies for direct flights to Tokyo

Monday 09th June, 07:29 AM JST

DENVER —

Efforts to lure nonstop flights between Denver and Asia are entering a new phase with the launch of a branded campaign targeting service to Tokyo. Local Denver officials and leaders from Denver International Airport and the tourism industry are working together to promote the potential for such flights to their counterparts in Japan.

While Denver has successfully lobbied for flights to several European cities in recent years, there’s a new level of collaboration among local officials this time around. They’ve even come up with a name for the campaign: “Ascent to Asia.”

“This really is about building support, putting a group together that is all on the same page and all involved in this effort,” said Tom Clark, executive vice president of the Denver Metro Economic Development Corp.

Several delegations have already made trips to Tokyo to lay the groundwork for new flights and develop relationships with Japanese officials and executive from All Nippon Airways and other businesses.

Officials think All Nippon is the most likely carrier to start service on the route, as the company is part of an alliance with United Airlines. That partnership would allow the two carriers to feed traffic into the flights from other cities on both sides of the Pacific. All Nippon also has ordered the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, an ideal aircraft for the route.
Denver already has ample access to Mexico, Canada and Europe.

A nonstop daily flight to Tokyo would open up all of Asia, making it easier for Denver travelers to connect to other cities in the area.

“The international market that has the best business case for us, by far, is Tokyo, and that brings you Asia because it’s a hub for All Nippon and a hub for United Airlines,” said Sally Covington, DIA’s deputy manager of aviation, public relations and marketing.

Local leaders say Denver is in a prime position for service to Asia. It’s in the middle of the United States and offers solid connectivity to the rest of the country. It also has plenty of room to expand and has seen impressive passenger growth in recent years.

There’s a sizable amount of risk involved, as Denver itself can’t support the flight. To make it successful, All Nippon or any other carrier serving the route would have to draw travelers from other areas of the United States and Asia.

Wire reports

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Latest 15 of 19 Total Comments Show All

wanderlust at 11:05 AM JST - 9th June

United and American Airlines are already starting to reduce flights, both within the US and outside, due to rising costs of fuel, and other operating expenses. Wonder what the impact will be on Denver's potential connectivity? Is this an opportunity for ANA, or are they being sucked in?

A few expensive nights out in Ginza and Asakusa, some golf and skiing tours, and a fat consulting fee should swing it for the Denver boys,
Farmboy at 02:49 PM JST - 9th June

Hey, I'd much rather fly through Denver than fly through LA or Chicago. If there is a flight, I'll take it.
telecasterplayer at 02:52 PM JST - 9th June

Denver has that huge airport (remember the long, long saga of its baggage handling debacle?), and they need to lobby for more and more gate occupancy. So, why not ask for Japan routes?

However, with the spiraling cost of fuel and top-heavy airlines squeezing every yen/dollar dry, this idea seems highly unlikely. They OUGHT to be asking Japan for public transportation and intercity rail lessons!
Nessie at 03:22 PM JST - 9th June

why the hell would anyone want to go to denver??

Well according to the headline, people want to get out of Denver.
capone at 04:24 PM JST - 9th June

and they can't think of a better place to go than tokyo ?
Sarge at 04:27 PM JST - 9th June

"All Nippon has also ordered the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner"

Has that jet had a test flight yet?
Nessie at 06:46 PM JST - 9th June

Capone, you'd think so, eh?
VoXman at 04:10 AM JST - 10th June

Hughgarse,

I am sure the local Denver folks are saying why would anyone want to fly to Tokyo, when a flight to Hawaii is shorter.
WhiteHawk at 04:54 AM JST - 10th June

When the Japanese consulate opened here in Nashville, a friend of mine convinced himself that direct Nashville-Tokyo flights would soon be available.

I'm still waiting. Just imagine the influence of country on J-Pop, and vice-versa!

telecasterplayer:

However, with the spiraling cost of fuel and top-heavy airlines squeezing every yen/dollar dry, this idea seems highly unlikely. They OUGHT to be asking Japan for public transportation and intercity rail lessons!

It's a darn shame you're not running for president, sir.
aikankei at 07:01 AM JST - 10th June

Hey, I am from Denver and have been waiting for this for 22 years since coming to live in Tokyo. Hooray!
timorborder at 12:26 PM JST - 10th June

Hey, I am from Denver and have been waiting for this for 22 years since coming to live in Tokyo. Hooray!

When do you come up for parole?
GW at 02:39 PM JST - 10th June

To make it successful, All Nippon or any other carrier serving the route would have to draw travelers from other areas of the United States and Asia.

That says it all, doh, sorry no flts between DEN & NRT!
Zen_Builder at 04:57 PM JST - 10th June

make that "hand-held".
Orangeporange at 09:35 PM JST - 10th June

I am from Denver and would LOVE direct flights back home!! One of the main reasons is my daughter, who I hope will be able to fly back to see grandma and grandpa from time to time, will be able to do so on her own once there is a direct flight! Every connecting flight either from Seattle, Minneapolis, LA or San Fransisco has been fully booked to Denver and back and many of the same travelers were on my Tokyo flight. I think it certainly makes sense!
the_sicilian at 06:24 AM JST - 11th June

I, for one, would love this flight. I have to fly from Okinawa to Colorado Springs at least 2 or 3 times a year. And doing the Okinawa/Tokyo/San Fran/C. Springs shuffle gets old. It would be nice to fly from Okinawa to Tokyo, then Denver. Then I could rive down to the Springs (45 minutes).

Get this flight......

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