Skybus CFO Mike Hodge speaks to the Thomasville Area Chamber of Commerce:
“We got a great deal with the airport that effectively knocked $2 off the cost per passenger,” Hodge said. PTI approved a non-traditional arrangement in which Skybus will receive per-passenger rebates on landing fees and airport rents as passenger numbers increase.
In addition, the state approved a $3.5 million grant. Area cities cooperated and provided financial support, and private organizations created a fund that Skybus can use for marketing in the region.
Hodge acknowledged fuel prices have gone much higher than the airline anticipated and it is losing more money than it anticipated. But Skybus still expects to break even in the spring and become profitable after that.
Nice to know we’re helping Skybus break even —- maybe.
