Embraer 175 Finally Coming to Aspen

Aspen-Pitkin County Airport is finally to receive Embraer 175 service with the announcement by United Airlines that it will introduce the jet on four routes starting in December.

A long-running battle between the airport, local residents and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over allowing the jet, which is larger than any passenger airliners that have been used into the airport, to serve routes has been put under pressure in recent months.

At present, airline operators like United, Delta and American Eagle all use the Bombardier CRJ which is the largest type previously allowed at the airport which has limited ground space and a challenging approach, thanks to its location in a valley surrounded by high peaks.

The CRJ is an ageing type with most airlines now, and many have been actively retiring it. This has left Aspen with a dilemma and at risk of losing passenger service altogether, despite the popularity of the Colorado town as a ski resort.

The Embraer 175, which is flown by most US regional carriers, has a slightly larger wingspan, capacity and range.

Embraer 175 Approved for Aspen

Over the past two years, Aspen-Pitkin County has been working on new procedures to allow the E175 to make safe approaches to the airport and for it to be handled on the ground without hindering other operations.

Repairs and upgrades to the infrastructure were also highlighted as essential before the type begins service.

However local action groups were urgin the airport not to allow the jet to fly in, and even suggesting it hands back FAA improvement grants so that the Administration can’t dictate the jet being approved.

The FAA as recently as 25 June urged the airport to stop delaying the decision and allow the E175 to be used, which appears to have now been approved.

United Airlines, whose partner airlines fly the Embraer jet under their United Express brand, has immediately announced the following routes and dates for the start of service into Aspen with the jet:

• Denver (DEN) starting Dec. 3
• Los Angeles (LAX) starting Dec. 19
• San Francisco (SFO) starting Jan. 7

(credit Ishiron Aviation)

The CRJ will continue to be used on some services alongside the E175.

American and Delta will undoubtedly follow with their own announcements in the near future.