 A major competitor on the Aspen-Denver route for many years was Rocky Mountain Airways which operated de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter turboprops.RMA then introduced new de Havilland Canada DHC-7 Dash 7 four engine turboprop aircraft that were configured with 50 passenger seats.In 1985, Aspen Airways acquired new British Aerospace BAe 146-100 four engine jetliners which featured quiet technology with regard to engine noise as well as short takeoff and landing performance and began operating the first commercial jet airliner service into Aspen.