Tails & Tales of Denver International Airport: A Celebration of 20 Years

DIA Holds Seventh Annual ‘State of DIA’

DENVER, Colo. — June 23, 2015 — Today, Denver International Airport (DIA), the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (Metro Denver EDC) and the Metro Denver Aviation Coalition (MDAC) hosted the seventh annual “State of DIA” at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

This year’s event – which has become an annual tradition that highlights the past year’s accomplishments and looks at the future of the airport – featured the theme “Tails & Tales of Denver International Airport.” The theme celebrates DIA’s 20th anniversary and two decades of strong partnerships with its airlines that now serve more than 53 million passengers annually. Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock said in his opening remarks that DIA has established itself as the front door to the region for tens of millions of people every year.

“Denver is tested and ready to embark on the next frontier for our international airport,” Mayor Hancock said. “We will move forward with haste to realize the opportunities that lie ahead to expand our international connectivity and ensure the economic health of the Rocky Mountain region for decades to come.”

Airport CEO Kim Day said in her keynote address to nearly 600 business leaders, airline officials and other airport stakeholders that DIA is positioned to grow into the next 20 years as a world-class airport with a focus on adding new destinations, better passenger amenities and connectivity that will put Denver on the world map. She highlighted a renewed focus on the overall customer experience at DIA, and investments in new amenities such as additional power hubs, one of the best free Wi-Fi systems of any airport and a better mix of shopping and dining experiences that match changing customer expectations and tastes.

She said the Westin Denver International Airport hotel and conference center is on track to open on November 19, with the East Rail Line beginning service from DIA to Denver Union Station in early 2016.

“Last year, a record 53.4 million passengers traveled through DIA,” Day said. “We want travelers to have a memorable, yet efficient experience, from the time they arrive at our door to the time they board their plane.”

Day also recognized each of DIA’s 15 airlines with a special award in appreciation for their continued partnerships and collaboration.

“To our airline partners, thank you for your investment in our region,” she said. “Thank you for your faith in us, and your support of us and this airport’s future.”

The presenting sponsor of the 2015 State of DIA luncheon was Mortensen/Hunt/Saunders Tri-Venture. Additional support was provided by the Metro Denver EDC and the Metro Denver Aviation Coalition. A copy of Day’s full remarks is available online at www.flydenver.com/about/media_center/state_dia_2015.

Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating more than $36 billion for the region annually. For more information visit www.FlyDenver.com, check us out on YouTube and Instagram, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for DEN’s monthly newsletter Nonstop News.

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