Transportation

More people are flying into and out of Missoula’s airport than any other airport of similar size in the contiguous 48 states.

"The Sheridan to Denver market is a huge opportunity for Big Sky," Big Sky Chief Financial Officer Fred deLeeuw said. "Sheridan is a big market and a wonderful community and opportunity for us. We’re ready to do this; we’re ready for the challenge."

"We really do believe it should be successful immediately," Anderson said. "I think it is a vote of confidence in Boise and the surrounding area."

Beginning April 3, Big Sky will offer three daily flights to and from Denver, with a single flight to and from Billings.

United Air Lines will begin two daily nonstop flights between Great Falls and Denver on May 4.

The twice-weekly flights, which begin March 3, and the price: the introductory fare is $39 one-way to Las Vegas and $69 back.

Starting Saturday, Horizon Airlines and Big Sky Resort are doing just that, resuming a weekly nonstop flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Bozeman.

"On busy weekends we are maxed out on our parking capacity of 115 corporate aircraft. Seifers said they have plans for additional spaces as well as an instrument landing system and radar. m

"Unfortunately, the passenger numbers weren’t there to sustain services,"

Interest has led to a burgeoning "gray" market, with two independent importers racing to do an end-run around DaimlerChrysler and bring Smarts straight to U.S. consumers.