The U.S.-based Frontier Airlines symbolically embarked on new territory Friday with its inaugural flight from Denver International Airport to Juan Santamaría International Airport, just northwest of San José.

Frontier is offering this flight four times a week, said Tourism Minister Carlos Benavides in a statement from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). The airline has said it will consider adding a fifth flight in January.

The route is being serviced by an Airbus 319 with space for 132 passengers.

Frontier vice-president Cliff Van Leuven said the airline decided to expand to Costa Rica because of the country's “diversity of landscapes and natural wonders, which range from beautiful beaches to incredible forest reserves to powerful volcanoes.”

“These natural riches are necessary components to satisfy the tastes of tourists who are looking for a vacation destination with many options for resting, entertainment and adventure,” he said.

Frontier Airlines has been operating for 14 years and is the second largest transportation provider at Denver International Airport, offering an average of 350 flights to 62 destinations in the United States, Mexico, Canada and Costa Rica, the statement said.