Never mind the Skybus deal, they have a plan this time:
John Weikle, chief executive of Jet America, said the subsidies from some of the cities it will serve in July will help insulate the new carrier from spikes in jet fuel prices. Higher fuel prices have contributed to the failures of at least four major airlines since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Smaller carriers have also been hurt.
Surging fuel prices helped bankrupt ultra-discounter Skybus last year. Weikle founded that Columbus, Ohio-based airline known for its $10 fares. The bankruptcy cost 450 employees their jobs.
A little friendly advice for anyone thinking the unthinkable:
Colorado-based aviation consultant Michael Boyd of the Boyd Group said he thinks JetAmerica’s chances of success are very slim.
“This will be Skybus redux,” Boyd said. “Friends don’t let friends start airlines. That’s true at any time, but particularly now. People aren’t flying in general, and they’re not going to be flying on this airline, either.”
