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SALT LAKE CITY — Delta Air Lines announced plans to offer nonstop flights from London's Heathrow Airport to Salt Lake International Airport three times a week during the next ski season. The big announcement could mean a big boost to Utah's economy.
Last August, Delta announced the first nonstop flight from London's Heathrow Airport to Salt Lake City. It was a bit of a trial program during the summer months. It went so well, the airline is expanding service.
Utah's mountains, for locals and visitors, are must-see, but for winter sports enthusiasts, it's a must-ski.
"Beyond excited and the excitement spread throughout the company," said Paul Marshall with Ski Utah.
Ski Utah personnel are usually "beyond excited" when it comes to anything involving winter sports, but this announcement has them flying high.
"We've been working with Delta for a while," Marshall said.
Delta Air Lines exclusively told KSL Thursday: "Delta is pleased to resume nonstop London-Heathrow service beginning April 23 and operating daily through the summer season. New for 2016, the service will remain in place three times weekly through the winter season."
"You can see the airport from here and you can see the mountains in our background," Marshall said. "It makes perfect sense."
In the past, British visitors wanting to ski across the pond had only a couple of options for direct flights including British Columbia and Denver. To get to Salt Lake City, they had to connect through Chicago, Dallas or another hub.
"The UK is one of our biggest international markets hands down," Marshall said.
Now, Ski Utah expects the numbers to soar.
"What's great about international visitors is they don't come for a short time," Marshall said. "They come for like eight or nine nights and ski at multiple resort. It's spreading wealth throughout the state."
That wealth will spread to Utah's restaurants, hotels and stores.
"The year-long winter is something we've wanted for a long time at Ski Utah, so it's a huge success," Marshall said.
