Low-Fare Airline Carrier Comes To High Point

Furniture World Magazine

Skybus Airlines’ announced that it will locate a new hub operation at Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTIA) is being hailed by Brian D. Casey, president and chief executive officer of the High Point Market Authority, as “very good news for the High Point Market.” Known for offering ten or more seats on every flight for $10 each, the low-fare carrier has operated one daily flight between PTIA and Columbus since it began flying in May. Beginning January 6, 2008, Skybus will add a second daily non-stop flight to Columbus, along with two flights daily to Boston, via Portsmouth International Airport in Portsmouth, NH, Jacksonville/Daytona Beach, FL via St. Augustine Airport, and Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda, FL with two flights daily through Charlotte County Airport in Punta Gorda. Beginning January 17, Skybus will add daily non-stop service to Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Gulfport-Biloxi, MS and the New Orleans area through Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, as well as Hartford, CT/ Springfield, MA through Westover Metropolitan Airport in Chicopee, MA. On February 25, the carrier will begin serving Los Angeles through Bob Hope International Airport in Burbank. All Skybus flights operate on full-size Airbus A319 jets. “The Skybus decision to make PTIA its newest hub means that we finally have a low-cost carrier that will link the Greensboro/ Winston-Salem/ High Point area with Florida, the Gulf Coast, East Coast and the West Coast,” Casey says, adding that flying from the West Coast in particular “has been relatively cost-prohibitive for buyers who wish to attend our Market. Obviously, it is extremely important to us to continue to attract buyers from medium and small businesses across the country, many of whom are very price sensitive when it comes to business travel. We see the Skybus business model as a perfect fit for this region and our Market, and we welcome the news not only because it will provide low-cost access to the Market, but because of the time-savings and added convenience buyers traveling here will enjoy thanks to our close proximity to the Piedmont Triad International Airport.” About the High Point Market Authority: The High Point Market Authority is the official sponsor of the High Point Market in High Point, North Carolina. Featuring an extensive selection of exhibitors spanning every category, style and price point and attracting tens of thousands of visitors from more than 110 countries twice each year, the High Point Market is the driving force of the home furnishings industry.