United Express cuts rates

For example, the basic rate of $153 each way between Palmdale and LAX has been reduced to $84, said Kathie Beatrice, United Express station manager.

For people flying to LAX and then to other destinations via United Airlines, the roundtrip portion of the Palmdale-LAX fare can drop to $50, she said.

Ridership increased in March, the first full month of the new fares, she said. There were 744 passengers in March, compared to 581 the month before.

Average monthly passenger count is about 500, she said. United Express is the sole air carrier in Palmdale.

There also are two special limited-time bargain rates, Beatrice said. A round trip booked at least seven days in advance is $108 for any trip departing today or later and returning on or before May 4.

The other special is three-day advance purchase price on weekend travel for tickets bought anytime from today and returning on or before June 10. That ticket is marked at $113, Beatrice said.

United Express has five flights a day, Sunday through Friday, between LAX and Palmdale, as well as four flights on Saturday.

Lower fares are expected to help the airline fill planes and compete with other ways that Antelope Valley residents get to LAX, she said.

Mayor Jim Ledford said the 163-passenger increase proves that destination and cost are prime factors in determining how many people use the air service.

A sustained higher number of passengers in future months also could show there is a larger number of Antelope Valley residents willing to use local air service that is reasonably priced, Ledford said.

More passengers is good news to those who would like to see the local airport's role expanded, but airport officials are more optimistic about creating a niche in Palmdale for cargo transport.

Two Los Angeles Department of Airports officials said last month that Palmdale has a limited role in the expansion plans for LAX, but there could be a future in cargo and possibly aircraft maintenance.

One plan for LAX expansion shows use of most of the current maintenance and modification workshop space drying up to make way for a new air terminal. In that scenario, Palmdale could assume some of that business.

There have been several other passenger aircraft services in Palmdale, but United Express is the only one that has survived.

The latest attempts were by the Flamingo Hilton, Laughlin, and Harrah's Laughlin Casino, which both offered limited vacation flights last summer to the gambling Mecca. Both hotels canceled services in August.