The Voices of Cody Podcast: Listen to Three Airport Articles

This episode reviews three previous articles on Cody Journal to give the community a better understanding of the issues surrounding the airport’s forward progress and what is being done to work toward bringing in a second airline. Watch for further articles and podcasts around this topic. The three articles are read by Ryan O’Donnell. Let us know if you like having the chance to listen to the articles. You can find also on Spotify and Apple.

• Airport Takes Action as United Delays Plague Western Travelers, published on August 15, 2025
• YRA and CYAIR attend Airline Rendezvous in Jackson, published on September 12, 2025
• Airport Seeks Self-Sustainability with Proposed Fuel Station Revenue, published on November 14, 2025

Key Topics Covered

Understanding the Delay Problem

• Cody’s unique vulnerability with only one airline serving the community
• Completion rates vs. on-time performance: Cody flights show 97-98% completion but only 66-74% on-time arrival
• United’s strategic focus on completing flights over punctuality to preserve passenger connections

Denver’s Perfect Storm

• Daily afternoon thunderstorms creating microbursts that force ramp evacuations
• Unprecedented construction across Denver International Airport’s airfield
• Air traffic controller shortages compounding delays
• Denver experiences three ATC meter delays daily compared to Salt Lake’s three per year
• Record capacity with both United and Southwest banking flights simultaneously

United’s Response Plan

• Denver now primary focus among United’s seven hubs
• Schedule adjustments to avoid peak banking times
• Reducing susceptibility to ATC metering delays
• Addressing overnight delay cascades affecting morning operations

Local Solutions in Action

• Yellowstone Regional Airport director Aaron Buck negotiating for larger aircraft (CRJ-701 and CRJ-705)
• Cody Shuttle maintaining dedicated van service for stranded passengers
• Ongoing negotiations with multiple airlines for additional service

Jackson Hole Airline Rendezvous Highlights

• Aaron Buck and Jennifer Thoma represented Cody at annual industry gathering
• United considering Chicago route expansion for Cody
• SkyWest partnership opening doors to destinations beyond Denver through Delta, American, and Alaska Airlines hubs
• Delta expressing interest in returning to previously served markets
• Discussion of minimum revenue guarantees (MRG) needed to attract new airlines

Airport Self-Sustainability Initiative – Fuel Station

• Essential Fuels proposal for fuel station on three-acre airport property
• Potential $20,000-30,000 annual rent revenue to reduce reliance on city and county funding
• Distinction between fuel station and truck stop clarified
• Security concerns addressed with law enforcement support

Looking Ahead

The path to improved air service for Cody includes multiple strategies: securing a second airline, adding destinations beyond Denver, deploying larger aircraft, and achieving airport financial independence. While these solutions require time to implement, local officials continue working with airline partners to strengthen service reliability and expand options for the community.

For more information about airport property development opportunities, contact Aaron Buck at (307) 587-5096.