United Airlines to begin nonstop service from Missoula to Los Angeles in 2018

Montana passengers planning to visit Southern California this summer will fly nonstop on a new United Airlines route from Missoula to Los Angeles, Missoula International Airport officials said Tuesday.

United will begin the seasonal service on June 7 of next year.

“United Airlines now provides service to four destinations either year-round or seasonally, including Denver, Chicago O'Hare, Los Angeles and San Francisco,” airport director Cris Jensen said. "This is a great partnership and United recognizing the opportunity that our market presents."

The new service brings to 12 the number of nonstop destinations served from Missoula. The airport and a team of community partners are working with both United and American Airlines for possible service into Texas, though those negotiations remain ongoing.

While the Los Angeles route did not require any revenue guarantee, Jensen said that a future route would. Community partners have launched Take Flight Missoula to raise the money needed to court that future flight.

“We would hope that within the next month or so that we'll have that resolved,” said Jensen. “We'll know who will take advantage of our revenue guarantee.”

Along with the four flights offered by United, nonstop service is also provided to Las Vegas, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco and Seattle.

"Tourism is a critical part of the Montana economy and supports tens of thousands of jobs,” Sen. Steve Daines said after Tuesday's announcement. “Having more flight options means less expensive airfare for Montana families and more businesses opportunities for the Treasure State.”

United also announced nonstop service from Los Angeles to Glacier Park International Airport starting next spring.