Denver to London in nine hours nonstop. United Airlines is now offering that route to the flying public, the first domestic competitor to try cutting into British Airways’ direct service from the Mile High City to the U.K. capital.

United’s debut flight from DIA to London’s Heathrow Airport took off a little after 5:30 p.m. Saturday, following remarks from Mayor Michael Hancock, United and airport officials.

The seasonal flight will be offered out of DIA daily through Oct. 26. It is being flown on 787-8 Dreamliner, a 219-seat aircraft viewed as “the right size for the volume of demand we expect,” a United spokeswoman said.

The new direct route makes Denver the fastest connection point for service to London for around 50 other U.S. cities served by United, according to the airline.

“We’re looking forward to providing our customers with more convenient one-stop options from markets that are served only through Denver and are thankful to have the support of the city as we continue to grow at Denver International,” Steve Jaquith, vice president of United’s Denver hub said in a news release last week.

British Airways has been offering direct flights from DIA to London since 1998. Ultra low-cost airline Norwegian Air International added $199 one-way flights from Denver to London Gatwick airport in September. That fare does not include any checked baggage, seat reservations or meals.

A one-way ticket from Denver to London leaving this Friday would cost flyers $2,049 on United, according to an online search. British Airways is selling tickets for the same route, leaving a few hours later, for $3,036.