Jaunted - Tag: Skybus

Flydubai Will Use Southwest, Not Skybus, Strategy for Success

pbb — 2008-08-13T11:50:09-05:00

Newly appointed Flydubai COO Ken Gile plans to keep costs down at his new low cost carrier by hedging the cost of fuel, a strategy most notably used by perennially profitable Southwest Airlines--but not at Skybus, where he was president and COO until the carrier went bankrupt in April.

The specifics are still being worked out, says Gile:

We are focusing on implementing a successful hedging plan and Southwest Airline's hedging strategy is something we could look at. Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for any airline so we have to look at ways to control it in order to be able to offer the lowest fares in the region.

Flydubai also plans to lower costs by promoting electronic booking and keeping planes in the sky as much as possible, two strategies Skybus did use. Wonder if the new airline will have a call center?

Related Stories:
· Flydubai Plans to Use Fuel Hedging [Emirates Business]
· Post-Skybus Life: Ex-COO Tapped for Flydubai Gig [Jaunted]
· Skybus CEO "Respects" Southwest [Jaunted]

Dubai: Post-Skybus Life: Ex-COO Tapped for Flydubai Gig

pbb — 2008-08-05T13:20:05-05:00

New low cost carrier Flydubai will have a familiar face running the show: Former Skybus COO Kenneth Gile. He's been tapped to tackle the same job for the nascent airline, which hopes to be flying by summer of next year.

It won't be the first time in the Persian Gulf for Gile, as he started his commercial career with Saudi Arabian Airlines before joining Southwest, eventually become the Texas LCC's chief pilot and director of flight operations.

He's not the only Skybus refugee moving overseas, either, it seems. Marla Matzer Rose at the Columbus Dispatch reports that some of the defunct airline's pilots are now working in China. Maybe they'll get rated to fly those nifty new ARJ21s?

Related Stories:
· Flydubai Appoints New COO [Xpress]
· Ex-Skybus Prez Lands in Dubai [CD]
· Flydubai to Launch by 2009 [Jaunted]

Old Skybus Planes Not Yet Enjoying "Retirement"

pbb — 2008-07-29T16:45:25-05:00

While Bill Diffenderffer is ostensibly back to his writing career and other Skybus folks are sorting out a bankruptcy mess, the LCC's planes are being shipped overseas to other airlines that, you know, can afford to fly them.

One A319 ended up with Airblue, a newish Pakistani carrier that's looking to expand. Another is on the way to Air Jamaica, which will keep the all-economy configuration in place. Rossiya, a decently-sized Russian carrier is also planning to take delivery of an A319.

Here's hoping all these companies paint over that garish Skybus livery--or at least those punny ads.

Related Stories:
· Skybus' Old Planes Get Around [Columbus Dispatch]
· Skybus coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: msmail]

Staff Cuts Coming to an Airline Near You

pbb — 2008-06-03T15:00:01-05:00

Tacky advertiser and low cost carrier Spirit Airlines may be laying off about half its in-flight staff. The airline notified union leaders this weekend, saying cuts are planned for August 1, though a final decision hasn't yet been made. Any accompanying route cuts haven't been announced either, but you've got to expect them.

The Diff: Taking Notes from Gary Kelly

pbb — 2008-05-22T10:00:01-05:00

This interesting photo from the Fisher College of Business at Ohio State University just landed in our inbox. Seems when Southwest CEO Gary Kelly stopped in recently to share words of wisdom with OSU MBAs and aviation students, a familiar face was in the crowd. Says our tipster:

In the back row of the photo you can make out Bill Diffenderffer. Seems a little late for him to be learning how to run an airline.

Related Stories:
· Southwest CEO at Fisher [OSU]
· Skybus coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: OSU]

Gary: Gary Airport Keeps Hanging Hopes on LCCs

pbb — 2008-05-12T14:15:01-05:00

Just a couple months ago, Gary/Chicago International was hyping Skybus as the spark that would turn the airport into the region's third air traffic hub. But the ultra-LCC only managed 23 days at GYY before flaming out, leaving the airport without a commercial carrier yet again.

Despite the setback, the airport is moving forward with a plan to link the South Shore Line commuter rail to the terminal, providing a seamless connection between GYY and downtown Chicago. That sort of easy-to-use public transportation is exactly what would make the airport a marketable alternative to O'Hare and Midway--if only passengers had the chance to use it.

The new Mexican LCC Viva Aerobus has applied to fly to Gary but can't start service to Monterrey until the DOT gives the OK. If and when that happens, maybe the combo of low fares and easy airport access will finally end the curse of the LCC at GYY. Or maybe not.

[Photo: Google Maps]

Nobody Wants Skybus

pbb — 2008-05-01T14:00:01-05:00

A few weeks ago, rumors were swirling that Skybus could come soaring back to life. And the Columbus Dispatch reported that the carrier's assets, including its valuable operating certificate, were being shopped around. But as it turns out, no one wants them.

Airline chief Mike Hodge says nobody's even bid on his company's future aircraft orders, the Skybus name or that operating certificate. And the one guy who might've been interested, John Weikle, was too busy sending conspiracy theory-laden emails to former Skybus employees to pony up an actual offer.

The LCC is still open to selling off its goods, but after so many airline bankruptcies it's hard to imagine who'd want to buy them.

Related Stories:
· No Second Chance Expected for Skybus [Columbus Dispatch]
· Skybus Lives on in Photos [Jaunted]
· Skybus coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: msmail]