Sick of 4 a.m. flights? Well, come June 1, you’ll have more options in Riverton, with the Central Wyoming Airport bringing back two flights every day to Denver International.
Jet-setters will have the option of an early morning outbound flight, in- and outbound midday services, and an evening inbound flight each day, a return to the services offered before the Covid-19 pandemic stymied the industry. More than 100 rural communities suffered reduced or eliminated services during the pandemic, but the Central Wyoming Port has weathered the storm, recording 15,375 outbound passengers last year – the highest number since 2002.
It’s already possible to book your new flights with the increased schedule at united.com.
Fremont Air Service Team Chair Missy White lauded the expanded services, stating they demonstrate a gain in market confidence amid pilot shortages and industry challenges. “The community knows that this airport brings economic development opportunities to the entire county and enhances the quality of life we all enjoy in rural Wyoming,” she said in a press release.
Riverton City Administrator said the partnership between SkyWest Airlines, which operates the Denver connection flight service, and the airport is a strong one, and credits Fremont County residents for supporting the airport. “Not only do they utilize their local airport, they have supported it through the half-percent optional sales tax for economic development,” he noted. “Without that support, our airline partner would not be as confident to invest in our community.”
Central Wyoming Airport operates through a contract with SkyWest to connect to Denver International and the rest of the world. Taxes are used to subsidize the contract; currently, a portion of the county’s half-percent economic development tax funds the contract along with county and municipal funds. Local leaders are currently considering using a bigger portion of the half-percent tax to go toward air service if the tax is renewed on the November ballot.
