Casper's airline boardings last year hit their highest level since 1992, supercharged by a fourth quarter in which Northwest Airlines initiated local jet service to Minneapolis/St. Paul.

More than 70,300 passengers boarded at Natrona County International Airport in 2004, up 14 percent from 2003. There were 21,246 in the final quarter alone. Northwest began its new flights on Oct. 4.

Casper is on pace to surpass 80,000 boardings in 2005.

Dan Mann, airport manager, said the impact of the Northwest flights was evident both in passenger numbers and in ticket prices.

He said the increased competition allowed Casper to share in beneficial pricing mechanisms that in the past might have bypassed local consumers. With three major airlines in the market - Northwest, Delta and United - each must be more aware of the customers who feed their major hubs.

"Fares are outstanding," Mann said. "The best I've seen since I've been here."

Economic pressures in the airline industry generally also are contributing to lower fares. Delta Air Lines, the nation's third biggest carrier, earlier this month announced that it was cutting its most expensive fares by as much as 50 percent and was eliminating other restrictions on ticket purchases and return flights.

Mann said there also are more leisure-fare opportunities available. Because leisure travelers typically can plan farther ahead and adapt their schedules more readily than business travelers, they also can avail themselves of the lowest fares.

"With the flexibility, you can get a cheaper price," he said.

"I think the outlook is pretty good for the remainder of the year," he said. "I think it's going to be an outstanding year."

Chris Manegold, president and CEO of the Casper Area Economic Development Alliance (CAEDA), said the favorable ticket prices are being noticed by people in areas surrounding Casper. In the past, many of these travelers might have opted for flights departing from Denver to save money. Now they can find competitive prices in Casper.

While he has not seen comparative data on local fares, Manegold said anecdotal evidence suggests ticket prices in Casper may have dropped by $100 or more.

"This is still primarily a business market, and that's really a bottom-line issue for the businesses we represent," he said.

CAEDA, the Casper/Natrona County Economic Development Joint Powers Board and the Wyoming Business Council joined forces last year to offer Northwest Airlines a $2.25 million revenue guarantee for the first 12 months of its operations. A travel bank campaign rounded up nearly $400,000 in pre-purchased travel by businesses and individuals to show support for the new service.

"It was a key objective to provide competition and thereby affect fares, and it clearly has," Manegold said.

Casper travelers now can reach 161 domestic and international airports by one-connection service through Denver, Minneapolis and Salt Lake City.

Business Editor Tom Mast can be reached at tom.mast@casperstartribune.net, or by calling 1-307-266-0574.