According to WYDOT, a capacity purchase agreement would have the state contracting with one airline to purchase air service capacity in bulk. The airline would own and operate the planes. But the communities would be responsible for marketing and have influence over ticket fares and scheduling. The agreement would establish reliable daily service and easier connections at major airports.

Another program being worked on by the Commercial Air Service Council is a request for proposal. The request would be an initial outreach to the airlines to secure air service, according to documentation from WYDOT. Von Flatern said the council has already received five letters of interest from airlines. Burke said language for the requests would be finalized Sept. 11.

Devon Brubaker, airport manager of Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport said he strongly supports the initiatives. He said improving air service is important in Wyoming because the state’s second largest industry, tourism, relies on it.

Brubaker said with capacity purchase agreements, local airports could see three flights a day. He said it would allow for people to fly in, conduct business and fly out the same day.

Sen. Drew Perkins, R-Casper, said he was concerned about the programs, as one company might be the only choice. He said United Airlines control a lot of gates in Denver, and they might bar other airlines from using the gates. Brubaker said federal regulations mean airports like Denver International Airport must provide the gates one way or the other. But he did say there are some politics in play in who pays for the gates and who uses them.

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