note
Regional airline operating flights from Aspen Colorado to Denver and neighboring states. Airline also operated hub at South Lake Tahoe airport in California and offered flights to San Francisco, San Jose, Burbank and Los Angeles.
Airline can trace its history to Aspen Institute and Walter Paepcke who founded the airline to operate flights on behalf of Aspen Institute a non profit organization promoting humanistic studies. Walter Paepcke also built airport at Aspen in 1946. In March 1967 Aspen Airways became scheduled operator. It started scheduled operations on Aspen - Denver route.
In 1985 Aspen Airways became feeder for United Air Lines at Denver Stapleton airport using Douglas DC-3s with rocket boosters to accommodate operations at challenging Aspen airport. In 1973 ex Allegheny Convair 580s joined the fleet. This type formed backbone of the airline until its demise in 1991. Because Aspen Airways demand was highly seasonal, airline was able to secure an exception to seek charter contracts beyond 2% then allowed by FAA. Some years up to 50% of Aspen Airways business were charters.
In 1990 Air Wisconsin purchased Aspen Airways but continued to operate it as Aspen Airways until 1991. Its Denver hub was purchased by Mesa Airlines.
founded - demised (age)
1952 - June 1991 (39)
headquarters
, Denver
web
base airports
related operators
current /stored fleet (0)
