Denver One Year Later . . .

Denver International Airport, the brainchild of Federico Pena, the city’s former mayor current U.S. transportation secretary, has weathered both controversy and winter storms since its opening early last year, but is now fairly established. Critics and boosters, however, still have plenty to say. A quick evaluation from different sources:

Pros

* Fewer delays: The facility’s ability to land three planes simultaneously cut delays by 79% to 3.1 per 1,000 flights, from 14.9 per 1,000 flights for its predecessor Stapleton Airport, whose weather-related flight holdups could result in snarling air traffic nationwide.

The new airport is “doing what it was designed to do, and that is enhance operating integrity for transcontinental traffic,” said David Stamey, vice president of aviation consulting at Avitas Inc., a Reston, Va.-based consultant.

United Airlines, the city’s major carrier, shaved 100 hours a day from scheduled times for 285 flights because its terminal at the new airport is so efficient, said Gary Lantner, United’s director of facilities.

* Storm fortified: The airport weathered a dozen snowstorms without a single closure this winter.

* Technology: Officials involved in new airport projects from Texas to Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, flock to Denver to scrutinize its layout, communications, de-icing and lighting systems, as well as airport organization and planning.

“We felt Denver had a good plan,” said Charles Gates, aviation director in Austin, Texas. “Our goal was to take the good parts and use it here.”

* Profit: The airport earned $15 million last year and is expected to make $27 million this year.

The results are good news for UAL Corp.’s United Airlines, Continental Airlines and other carriers because they get 80% of the municipal airport’s profit to help make up for their costs in its construction and maintenance.

* Stable finances: During construction troubles, bonds sold to finance the airport fell to $811 per $1,000 face value. Then in October, Standard & Poor’s Corp. raised its rating on Denver’s bonds to “BBB” from “BB” and those same bonds were recently valued at about $1,020 per $1,000. The airport is in the process of refinancing many bonds at lower interest rates.

* Aesthetics: Although some quibble, the airport is clean, airy and light, most passengers say.

Cons

* Baggage: United has had to shut down the airport’s $237-million automated baggage system, built by BAE Automated Systems Inc, which has damaged or misdirected scores of suitcases. This week, both companies sued each other. United says the system was so unreliable it affected operations throughout the country. United wants a court declaration that BAE has breached a $35-million contract, giving United the right to skip the second $17.5-million installment payment, take over the system and try to fix it. “Although passengers with a choice likely will avoid Denver, those who live in Denver cannot,” the lawsuit said.

The other airlines never used the system and rely on traditional tug-and-cart methods.

* Hotels: There are still no hotels near the airport, although several are planned.

* Fares: With higher landing fees and Continental no longer providing as much competition at Denver, discount fares are harder to come by and regular fares have risen faster than elsewhere in the nation.

* Trains: Recent power surges disrupted underground train service between the terminal and concourses.

* Distances: The new airport is 30 miles from downtown Denver--a $40 cab ride. And although convenient for planes, gates are spread out and some passengers can have very long walks.

* Underuse: Airline tenants are needed for 11 empty gates. Passenger traffic is still below original expectations.

* SEC bond inquiry: The Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating whether Denver kept bond investors adequately informed about construction delays.

Researched by DANIEL GAINES

Sources: Bloomberg Business News, Reuters, Associated Press