The history of Denver Air Connection is a story of determination and innovation. Founded in 1988, Denver Air Connection is an independent regional airline based out of Denver International Airport. The airline operates over 150 daily flights to more than 50 locations across the United States and Canada, making it one of the most successful regional airlines in the country.

The airline's origins can be traced back to the late 1980s when it was founded by Denver businessman and aviator Alan Pribyl. Pribyl had a strong passion for aviation and wanted to make air travel more accessible to travelers in Colorado. He recruited several other investors to help him launch the airline, which was initially called Denver Airpark. The airline's first flight was on August 27, 1988, and it quickly grew in popularity due to its low fares and convenient flight schedules.

The airline was rebranded as Denver Air Connection in 2003 and moved its headquarters to Centennial Airport in Aurora, Colorado. By this point, the airline had grown to become one of the largest regional carriers in the United States, and it was serving over 50 destinations in the United States and Canada.

Over the years, Denver Air Connection has made several important milestones. In 2009, the airline became the first regional carrier in the United States to be certified by the FAA as a Part 135 carrier. This allowed the airline to carry passengers and cargo on flights that exceeded the normal time and distance limitations of a Part 121 carrier. In 2012, the airline was the first regional carrier to be certified as a Stage 3 Quiet Aircraft Operator. This allowed the airline to operate quieter aircraft and reduce noise pollution for nearby communities.

In 2014, Denver Air Connection became the first regional carrier to receive the FAA's Gold Standard Award for Safety. This award recognized the airline for its commitment to safety and its dedication to the highest standards of safety and operational excellence. In 2016, the airline was the first regional carrier to receive the FAA's Diamond Award for Safety, which recognizes exceptional safety performance.

Unfortunately, Denver Air Connection has also been involved in a few incidents over the years. In 2004, one of its aircraft, a Beechcraft 1900D, crashed into a mountain near Durango, Colorado, killing all 18 people on board. The cause of the crash was later determined to be pilot error. In 2006, the FAA launched an investigation into the airline for alleged safety violations. The investigation uncovered several violations, but no action was taken against the airline and no fines were assessed.

Despite these setbacks, Denver Air Connection has continued to thrive and grow over the years. Today, the airline operates a fleet of 34 aircraft and serves over 50 destinations across the United States and Canada. The airline has become known for its commitment to safety, customer service, and innovation, which has allowed it to remain one of the most successful regional airlines in the United States.