Tiny Skybus Airlines, based in Ohio, ceased operations today, making the company the third U.S airline to stop flying this week.
ATA and Aloha, both companies that had struggled for years, stopped flying earlier this week. Vacationers with early summer travel plans by air will undoubtedly face more crowded planes as existing airlines fight growing economic issues by cutting flights.
In an announcement posted on the company’s website, Skybus said that the company “…struggled to overcome the combination of rising jet fuel costs and a slowing economic environment. These two issues proved to be insurmountable for a new carrier.”
Several airlines, notably US Airways and JetBlue, were reportedly offering standby or low cost alternatives for travelers who were stranded at their destination. This is a relatively common occurrence when airlines, even iconic names like PanAm and Eastern, have failed over the years. While consumers can never rely on such gestures, most carriers make the effort to help others.
Posted under Travel
This post was written by George Bounacos on April 5, 2008
