Skybus is a discount airline that models itself after Ireland's Ryanair Airlines. Skybus Airlines was one of the main competitors to Southwest Airlines and their ultra-low-cost tickets. Skybus was very reliant on direct flights, when at the time, no other airline had them. In addition to these low-cost tickets, advertising was present on both the outside of the airplane and on the inside. Customers were also able to purchase merchandise from inside the plane.
History
Skybus Airlines was founded in the early 1990's when the finding discount airlines industry was booming. The original name of Skybus Airlines at this time was Heartland Airlines. Heartland Airlines did not get renamed to Skybus Airlines until several years later. In April 2007, Skybus Airlines had eight different destination possibilities, and later began to expand by flying international flights and into other areas. In Christmas of this year, this was when Skybus Airlines made the news because of a disastrous cancellation of almost 1/4th of the flights because of mechanical issues.
Bankruptcy
On April 4, 2008, Skybus Airlines announced that is was ceasing business operations because of rising fuel prices and the struggling economy. Skybus airlines officially closed its doors on April 5, 2008. To read more about the bankruptcy, please see Mahalo's guide to the Skybus Airlines Bankrupt. Fast Facts
- Claims to sell 10 seats for $10 on every flight
- Advertising both inside and outside of the plane helps defray costs
- Merchandise is available for sale
- Headquarters: Columbus, Ohio
- Available Destiations: 17
- Privately held
- CEO: Mike Hodge
- President and COO: Kenneth L. Gile
Skybus News
- Google News: Skybus
Skybus Satire and Commentary
- DeadBrain: Ryanair Makes 99p Bid for Aer Lingus
