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OGDEN — A new Ogden-based airline is providing flights to Western national parks and is looking to expand to a second plane.
Utah Airways was launched Jan. 5 by Utah pilots David Story and Bret Kobe after Story said he felt there was a need for the service. The airline flights leave from the Ogden-Hinckley Airport and provide direct flights to the Grand Canyon South Rim, the Grand Canyon West Rim, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Yellowstone National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Las Vegas.
The airline offers roundtrip flights twice a day, with a tour in the morning and a tour in the afternoon.
The Piper Navajo aircraft can carry five passengers on each flight, providing more intimate tour groups. Story said two pilots go on each flight so one can act as a tour guide to point out different areas during the flight.
Utah Airways contracted with private tour operators, like Southwest Adventure Tours and Grand Canyon West Hualapai Tourism, to give ground tours at the various destinations.
"The whole experience lasts roughly six and a half to seven hours. However, the total flight time roundtrip is two hours, while the adventure on the ground is approximately four and a half hours," according to the Utah Airways website.
Due to the success of the airline, Story said they are in the process of adding a second airplane and will possibly base it out of St. George.
“We are really excited and really happy with the way things are going,” Story said.
Flights range from $739 for a luxury charter flight to Las Vegas for a 3-day, 4-night get-a-way (hotel cost not included) to $959 for a package tour day trip to Grand Canyon West Rim and Zion National Park, the website said.
Contributing: Dave Cawley
