Skybus closer to start-up, orders planes

The new low-fare Columbus-based airline Skybus has placed a firm order for 65 Airbus A319 aircraft as it gears up for starting service early next year.

Skybus' order is the largest ever by a U.S. carrier, Airbus says. It is a clear signal of intent from the start-up airline, which hopes to compete with such market giants as Southwest, JetBlue, and US Airways.

"The significantly lower cost base delivered by operating the A319 will enable Skybus to deliver really low fares to our customers at our headquarters in Columbus," said Skybus CEO Bill Diffenderffer.

"We believe the low costs and reliability of the A319, coupled with our low fares, will make for an unbeatable partnership as we grow our business and offer more low-fare destinations."

Other low-fare carriers that fly out of Columbus, Ohio, include
USA 3000 Airlines, American Eagle, and JetBlue Airways.

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