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STEAMBOAT/HAYDEN AIRPORT FIRST IN CONTINENTAL U.S. TO UTILIZE NEXT GENERATION AIR TRACKING SYSTEM

CDOT, Colorado Department Of Local Affairs, FAA,
Routt, Moffat & Garfield Counties Partner On $4.7 Million Program

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO-August 20, 2009- Steamboat/Hayden Airport will become the first community in the continental United States to utilize a new next-generation electronic surveillance tracking system for commercial as well as general aviation starting September 12, 2009.

“The demand for flights into western Colorado airports has increased dramatically over the past decade,” noted Travis Vallin, Aeronautics Division Director for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). “All types of recreational pursuits were growing in popularity in all seasons, especially skiing. It was clear that we needed to do something innovative and cost-effective in order to enhance capacity and safety which improves the positive economic impacts that airports on the western slope have on the local, regional, and statewide economy.”

The cutting-edge Wide Area Multilateration (WAM) system, a key component of the FAA’s Next Generation of Air Transportation (NextGen), enhances safety, improves operational efficiencies, reduces economic impacts due to diversions as well as improves timing of flights into and out of airports. The $4.7 million system, which included a partnership of the Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Routt, Moffat and Garfield Counties and the FAA, provides surveillance coverage for airports in Steamboat/Hayden, Rifle and Craig.

Instead of using traditional radar, the new surveillance system triangulates the position of an aircraft utilizing 20 sensors spread across the area, each communicating with the transponder aboard an aircraft. This system will reduce the number of flights diverted to other airports during inclement weather flight operations and significantly minimizes spacing during landing and take-off procedures from 20 minutes down to between 3 to 5 minutes. This past winter, the new WAM system was used in parallel operation with the standard radar system.

With the next generation of air surveillance, getting to Steamboat-Ski Town, U.S.A. ® has never been easier. Featuring an unprecedented 10,000-foot runway able to handle even the largest commercial jets, including 757, A319/320 & 737-800 aircraft, Steamboat is the most conveniently accessed ski resort community in Colorado. And once passengers touch down, they’ll set foot in an ultra-spacious multi-million dollar airport terminal. Over the past five years, the airport facility has evolved with an array of improvements that touched every element of guest service from check-in counters to departure terminals; food & beverage to retail amenities; and curb-side services to security screening.

“The new air surveillance system, along with the $18 million improvement project over the past five years, has taken this airport to the next level, making Steamboat/Hayden the premier regional airport facility across the Rocky Mountains,” said David Ruppel, Yampa Valley Regional Airport manager. “Don’t expect this to be the end of the evolution of the facility either. We are currently in the process of building upon this year’s story during Phase III, which includes a new passenger arrival area, a second baggage carousel, improved concessions and passenger amenities. Overall, Phase III improvements create an addition 8,436 sq. ft. of terminal space and replaces or remodels another 18,000 sq. ft. in the existing terminal in the coming years.”

Steamboat offers winter access to Ski Town, U.S.A. via nonstop jet air service from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Newark/NYC, New York-LaGuardia and Salt Lake City on American, Continental, Delta/Northwest and United Airlines, all direct into Steamboat/HDN. In addition to the nonstop jet air service, Steamboat enjoys convenient connecting service from more than 230 other domestic and international cities.

“As a result of the state-of-the-art airport facility and a direct flight program built upon large jets, convenience and a variety of options for guests, Steamboat’s nonstop flight system is unmatched within the industry and truly a key differentiator against other resort destinations,” commented Andy Wirth, senior vice president of sales & marketing for the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “With the new surveillance system as well as one of the most successful, longest-running programs in the industry, the direct flight program offers complete convenience for guests and a competitive advantage for the community.”

Currently, Steamboat Central Reservations® is featuring special airfares directly into Steamboat/Hayden for the 2009/10 winter season from a variety of cities and carriers. With the upcoming winter season on the horizon, it’s never too early to save a boatload on your winter vacation through Steamboat Central Reservations-the first choice for discounted airfares into Steamboat-Ski Town, U.S.A.

-www.steamboat.com-