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Rocky Mountain Airways

From Alfawiki
Rocky Mountain Airways
Company typeRegional commuter airline
IndustryAviation
PredecessorVail Airways
Founded1963
FounderGordon Autry
Defunct1991
FateMerged with Britt Airways
Headquarters
Denver, Colorado
,
United States
Area served
Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming, New Mexico, South Dakota, Texas
Key people
Gordon Autry (founder)
ProductsRegional air transportation services
ParentTexas Air Corporation/Continental Airlines (from 1986)

Rocky Mountain Airways operated as a regional commuter airline in the United States from 1963 until its merger with Britt Airways in 1991. Based in Hangar No. 6 at Denver's Stapleton International Airport, the carrier was purchased by Texas Air Corporation/Continental Airlines in 1986 and functioned as a Continental Express affiliate until the merger. The airline primarily served locations across Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming, operating out of Stapleton’s commuter terminal.

History

Initially established as Vail Airways in 1963 by entrepreneur Gordon Autry, the airline adopted the Rocky Mountain Airways name in 1968 following the commencement of service to Aspen. Early flights utilized piston-powered aircraft such as the Cessna 310 and Rockwell Aero Commander twins. By 1969, the fleet expanded to include the 19-seat de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter turboprop. In 1978, Rocky Mountain Airways became the first operator of the larger, 50-passenger four-engine de Havilland Canada Dash 7 turboprop. Although an order for six Dash 8 turboprops was placed in 1983, these aircraft were never delivered.

The airline’s strategy capitalized on the short takeoff and landing (STOL) abilities of the DHC-6 and DHC-7 models, enabling access to remote mountain airfields without scheduled air service. Notable routes included Avon STOLport near Vail and Steamboat Springs Airport, both catering to ski resort travelers. The Dash 7’s capability to operate from short runways at high elevations made it ideal for these specialized markets. Rocky Mountain also flew Twin Otters into Lake County Airport in Leadville—the highest airport in the U.S. with regular service—and served Grandby, Colorado during the 1970s. The Avon STOLport was privately managed by the airline but has since ceased operations; current air service to Vail and Steamboat Springs is provided through nearby airports.

One significant competitive route was between Aspen and Denver, where Rocky Mountain competed with Aspen Airways. While Rocky Mountain flew Twin Otters and later Dash 7s on this route, Aspen Airways operated Convair piston and turboprops before introducing BAe 146 jets. Presently, SkyWest Airlines operates this corridor as United Express using regional jets.

Following its acquisition by Texas Air Corporation in 1986, Rocky Mountain Airways became integrated into Continental Express, channeling passengers through Continental’s Denver hub. The fleet adopted Continental’s branding and expanded to include ATR-42 and Beechcraft 1900C turboprops—common aircraft within Continental Express operations—while maintaining Dash 7s for STOL services at Aspen and Telluride airports. This alignment with Continental Express enhanced its presence in regional aviation until its eventual merger with Britt Airways in 1991.

Destinations

Rocky Mountain Airways maintained operations across multiple states, with its primary hub and headquarters located at Denver Stapleton International Airport (now defunct). Key destinations included:

  • Nebraska
    • Omaha (OMA)
    • Lincoln (LNK)
    • Grand Island (GRI)
  • New Mexico
    • Farmington (FMN)
  • South Dakota
    • Rapid City (RAP)
    • Pierre (PIR)
  • Texas
    • Amarillo (AMA)
    • Lubbock (LBB)
  • Wyoming
    • Casper (CPR)
    • Cheyenne (CYS)
    • Jackson Hole (JAC)
    • Rock Springs (RKS)

Fleet

The Rocky Mountain Airways fleet comprised regional turboprop aircraft, including models like the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter and de Havilland Canada DHC-7 Dash 7. Following its role as a Continental Express affiliate, the airline operated the ATR-42 and Beechcraft 1900C. In its earlier days, under the former Vail Airways, the fleet also featured planes such as the Cessna 310 and Rockwell Aero Commander.

Accidents

  • On December 4, 1978, Rocky Mountain Airways Flight 217, operating a DHC-6 Twin Otter, encountered a crash near Buffalo Pass caused by intense icing conditions and downdrafts; this tragedy resulted in two fatalities among the 22 passengers and crew aboard.

See also

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