Skybus is Here!

Commercial Airline Adds Punta Gorda as a Major Route

December 19, 2007

Skybus in Punta Gorda has to this point been an absolute success. Bob Tenebau, a spokesperson for Skybus said, "The response to the Punta Gorda service has been far beyond anybody's expectations. Based on advanced ticket sales, it is clearly one of the top two destinations."

By early next year, the Punta Gorda hub will be the third busiest for Skybus. Skybus has two hubs located in Columbus, Ohio and one in Greensboro, North Carolina. In addition to its Columbus stop, Skybus out of Punta Gorda will be adding a flight from Punta Gorda to Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Skybus Airlines was initially attracted to the Charlotte County area because of the high travel demand seen between Southwest Florida and the central Ohio area. A lot of people from the northeast own second homes in Southwest Florida causing this demand in travel.

In fact, demand has been so high, that already a third flight has been added to the Skybus Punta Gorda itinerary, something the airline had not initially planned to do. Since its introduction, most seats on its 166 passenger jets have been sold out months in advance

This re-introduction of commercial flights to the Punta Gorda airport has grown not only with the introduction of Skybus. Publix Supermarkets have announced plans to build a 1 million square foot distribution center at the airport as well. Local businesses are looking to get a huge boost from this return of a commercial ariline to Punta Gorda.

Make sure to keep an eye on this local story as it unfolds, as it will have huge ramification on local business and economy for years to come!

(For more information on Skybus Airlines visit their website)