(Spokane, WA, February 28, 2009) - The Spokane International Airport (GEG) and United Airlines officials announced today that United Airlines will add a daily nonstop flight to Chicago. The announcement comes just two weeks after two daily nonstop flights to San Francisco International Airport. Both flights take off beginning June 4, 2009. Tickets will go on sale immediately according to a press release from Spokane International Airport.

Chicago/Spokane (GEG)

The daily United Express flight operated by Shuttle America will be on 70-seat, Embraer 170 jets, according to the release.

The departures/arrivals are as follows:

Depart Spokane 2:46pm; arrive Chicago 8:06pm
Depart Chicago 12:20pm; arrive Spokane 2:12pm

San Francisco (SFO)/Spokane (GEG)

The daily United Express Flights operated by SkyWest will be on 66-seat Canadair 700 and 50-seat Canadair 200 regional jets, according to the release.

The departures/arrivals are as follows:

Depart Spokane 6am; arrive San Francisco 7:55am
Depart Spokane 3:22pm; arrive San Francisco 5:11pm
Depart San Francisco 12:54pm; arrive Spokane 2:50pm
Depart San Francisco 10pm; arrive Spokane 11:57pm

Three Non-Stops Reinstate Air Service

Spokane last enjoyed non-stop service to San Francisco in 2001 and to Chicago in November 2008, according to the release. 

"In an era of economic uncertainty, we are delighted that United Airlines has responded so favorably to our region's need for connectivity to San Francisco," commented Neal Sealock, Airport Director, Spokane International Airport. "The daily service will allow for more efficient business travel and connections to major domestic and international commercial centers. Now the challenge is for our travelers to reward United for their risk and investment and actively utilize these new flights."

Better Access to Two Major Cities

"'How are we going to get there?' is the first question a convention group asks after booking Spokane," said Spokane Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau President & CEO Harry Sladich. "These flights are an answer to that question."

About Spokane Regional CVB
The Spokane Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau generates economic growth for Spokane County by successfully marketing the Spokane Region as the destination for conventions and leisure travelers from around the world. The proof is in: Visitors to Spokane County spent an estimated $805.1 million in 2007, providing jobs for nearly 10,100 residents and generating $60.3 million in non-resident tax dollars collected in Spokane County.*

*Figures provided by the Washington State Community, Trade and Economic Development Tourism Office in the October 2008 Dean Runyan associates report for the year ending 2007.

Contacts:

Spokane Regional CVB
Pam Scott
Communications Manager
509.742.9373
pscott@VisitSpokane.com

Spokane Regional CVB
Jeanna Hofmeister
Vice President & Director of Destination Marketing
509.742.9372
jhofmeister@VisitSpokane.com

Please visit us online at www.VisitSpokane.com.