OREANDA-NEWS. United Airlines today announced that it will introduce nonstop flights between its hub at Denver International Airport and Panama City beginning Dec. 3, subject to government approval with flights available for sale at a later date. The new service will operate daily November through August and five times weekly in September and October, offering Denver-area travelers direct access to the Panamanian capital and connections to several additional cities in Central and South America through United's strategic partnership with Copa Airlines.

"Following the success of our Denver-Tokyo flight, our new service to Panama City will link our Denver business and leisure travelers to the business and finance capital of Central America and open the door to other new, international destinations through our partner airlines," said Steve Jaquith, United's managing director of the Denver hub.   

United will operate the service with Boeing 737-700 aircraft with 118 seats - 12 in United Business and 106 in United Economy, including 40 Economy Plus extra-legroom seats.

"This new United Airlines flight is yet another option that continues to position Denver International Airport as a critical hub for air travel," said Governor John Hickenlooper. "We're grateful for all of the hard work that has gone and will go into this additional service."

"Just as Tokyo opened a gateway to Asia, Panama City will open the Rocky Mountain West to all of South America," said Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock. "United Airlines' decision to begin nonstop flights to Panama City is another major addition to DIA's premier flight service and will strengthen the region's position as a global hub and international competitor. Today nearly 350 people a day travel between Colorado and South America. We anticipate this service will stimulate additional travel, and we already look forward to the increased tourism, cultural and business connections this new service will provide."