Big Sky Airlines to serve Wyoming

Big Sky Airlines could begin flights connecting Casper and Gillette to Billings, Mont., in early October,
Wyoming’s congressional delegation said Thursday.

ASSOCIATED PRESS The Billings Gazette

The two cities, with the help of a federal grant, are buying a 19-seat Metroliner aircraft that will be leased to
the Billings-based airline.
Big Sky offers destinations through agreements with Northwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines. The new
flights will offer passengers in Casper and Gillette connections to cities in Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Montana,
Oklahoma, Texas and Washington.
"Reliable and affordable air service is important to increasing Wyoming’s economic stability and we’re glad
that Big Sky Airlines has decided to expand its business into Wyoming," Sens. Mike Enzi and Craig Thomas
and Rep. Barbara Cubin said in a release.

"With the establishment of this new route, people from outside Wyoming will have another avenue to visit
and do business in our state. This new route will also serve the distinct needs of Casper and Gillette and will
improve their existing air service."
Casper and Gillette put forward a total of $500,000, which was matched by $500,000 in federal funds for
buying the plane.
"We believe with the addition of Big Sky that we’ll have better fares and more options for our business and
leisure travelers," said Dan Mann, manager of the Natrona County International Airport.
Jay Lundell, Gillette-Campbell County Airport manager, added, "Our community is looking forward to having
access to several new markets, and I feel that Big Sky is excited about the potential with the Gillette and Casper
markets."
Gillette is now served by Great Lakes Aviation, which offers five flights daily to and from Denver.
Casper is served by Sky West, a commuter service for Delta Air Line’s Salt Lake City hub, and Great Lakes,
which feeds United Airlines and Frontier Airlines’ Denver hubs.
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