DENVER -- The Rocky Mountain News reported that a mystery man named "Ted," who bought lunch for strangers and spelled his name in sod in a farmer's 240-acre field north of Denver, is a creation of United Airlines' new low-cost carrier.

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The newspaper said that one Web site used in the campaign and a second that's not yet launched are linked to United.

United spokesman Jeff Green wouldn't confirm "Ted" was the company's creation.

United's low-cost carrier will be based at Denver International Airport. It's part of the Chicago-based company's effort to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

United is expected to announce the new carrier's launch in the next few weeks.

In the meantime, the mysterious marketing campaign -- complete with blue and orange stickers, T-shirts, signs and other giveaways -- has created a bit of buzz in the Mile High City. Ted, taken from the last three letters in United's name, conjures an image of a carefree, blue jeans and T-shirt-wearing crowd -- the same young crowd that United wants to attract to its new low-fare carrier, marketing experts said.

With "Ted," United is hoping to steal passengers away from rival Frontier, which has been extremely successful as a low-cost carrier.

United's low-fare airline will serve predominantly leisure markets and feature a simplified fare structure with low-cost business and leisure fare options. The fleet for the new airline will launch in February 2004 with 4 Airbus 320 aircraft in Denver, and expand to 40 A320s by the end of 2004, 19 of which will be based in Denver.

From Denver, the airline will fly to Reno, Nev., Las Vegas, Phoenix, New Orleans, Tampa, Fla, Ontario, Calif., and Orlando, Fla. Additional destinations will be announced at a later date.

Tickets will go on sale sometime in November.