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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">500 East Walnut Street
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Columbia, MO 65201</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">September 25, 2025</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Michael Parks
<br />Manager
<br />Columbia Regional Airport
<br />573.817.5064
<br />Michael.Parks@CoMo.gov</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">Columbia Regional Airport celebrates the return of United Airlines</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - Local representatives and travelers attended a ceremony Sept. 25 to celebrate the return of United Airlines to Columbia Regional Airport (COU). The ceremony occurred ahead of the first United Airlines incoming flight at the airport. <br /><br />Beginning Sept. 25, United Airlines will provide a once-daily flight to Denver and two daily flights to Chicago O’Hare. United Airlines previously offered flights from Columbia to these destinations before having to suspend service as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are returning with an upgraded aircraft product to both destinations.<br /><br />All flights will offer first class; the twice-daily Chicago flights will be flown on a CRJ-550 aircraft with 10 United First seats and 20 Economy Plus seats with nose-to-tail in-seat power, Wi-Fi and increased on-board bag storage.<br /><br />The return of United Airlines will also connect travelers to
major travel hubs and a variety of destinations around the world. <br /><br />"United Airlines has been a great partner for COU, and we could not be more excited that their services are returning to our airport," City Manager De’Carlon Seewood said. "We have heard from passengers that both Chicago and Denver are highly sought-after destinations. This partnership will make it easier for airport users in our region to enjoy both business and leisure travel."<br /><br />In a Passenger Demand Analysis from 2024, Denver was one of the top destinations requested at COU. It was also identified as the top desired destination by attendees at the City’s inaugural <a href="https://www.como.gov/community-summit/">Community Summit</a> held in March 2025.<br /><br />The flight to Denver is made possible by the <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/policy/aviation-policy/small-community-rural-air-service/SCASDP">Small Community Air Service Development Progr
am Grant</a> from the <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/">U.S. Department of Transportation</a>.<br /><br />"Columbia Regional Airport and City of Columbia staff work diligently to recruit new and maintain existing flights for our passengers," COU Manager Michael Parks said. "The return of United Airlines will have positive impacts on economic growth, creating and maintaining jobs, and keeping people connected to the rest of the world."<br /><br />Regional and state representatives spoke about the significance of this partnership at the ceremony Thursday, including Columbia Mayor Pro Tem Nick Foster, Jefferson City Mayor Ron Fitzwater, Boone County Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick, University of Missouri Executive Vice President of Finance and Operations and Chief Financial Officer Ryan Rapp, Governor Mike Kehoe and Sam Levy from United Airlines.<br /><br />The Columbia Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, also referred to as the "gold coats,&quo
t; performed a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the event. <br />Visit <a href="https://www.flycou.com/">FlyCOU.com</a> to learn more about convenient flight options.</div>
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<div style="margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align:center;"><p>City of Columbia Vision<br>
<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
<em>To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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