The airline was founded in 1994 to fill the gap left when Continental Airlines (nyse: CAL - news - people ) pulled out of Denver's new international airport--now United's second-largest hub.

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At least four airports in the United States proved to be recession-proof: Atlanta, JFK, Denver and San Francisco International Airport.

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Eventually, she rose to senior managing director at Bear Stearns, working in municipal finance and helping the Denver International Airport, the New York State Thruway Authority and other public entities to sell tax-exempt bonds.

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