For Immediate Release
Contact: Carolyn Casey
360-676-2500
carolyncportofbellingham.com
Non-Stop Flights From Bellingham to Columbus, Ohio Begin May 29
PORT OF BELLINGHAM COMMISSIONERS APPROVE SKYBUS SERVICE FROM BELLINGHAM TO OHIO
[Bellingham, Wash.] Today the Port of Bellingham's Board of Commissioners unanimously voted in support of a lease with Skybus Airlines that will allow the national start-up to begin operations in Bellingham on May 29.
Skybus, the next generation of low-fare airlines, provides nonstop service on full-size jets from its base in Columbus, Ohio, to cities throughout the United States. Skybus offers extremely low fares - starting with at least 10 seats at $10 on every flight. Last week Skybus announced a list of its first eight cities it will serve, promoting Bellingham International Airport as the destination serving the area from Seattle to Vancouver, B.C.
Skybus plans to begin its Bellingham flights on May 29 and will offer once daily non-stop flights from Bellingham to its base in Columbus, Ohio. Tickets can be purchased at www.skybus.com.
Skybus also announced it will offer nonstop service from Columbus to the Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco Bay areas and to Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point, NC, Richmond, VA, Kansas City and Fort Lauderdale. Skybus will be using full-size Airbus A319 jets.
"The Port of Bellingham welcomes Skybus to our airport and our community," said Commission President Scott Walker. "We recognized that air travel options benefit both the business and leisure travelers in our area. We also hope this service will bring new visitors and business opportunities to Whatcom County."
At the meeting today, Port Commissioners approved a one-year renewable lease with Skybus that will allow the airline to operate in a portion of the module located just south of the baggage claim area at the airport.
At that same meeting, the commission also approved a lease with Slattery Ground Services, Inc., for the remainder of the 1700 square foot module. Skybus has contracted with Slattery for its ticketing, ground handling and security coordination.
Based upon a full year of once daily flights with about 36,000 Skybus passengers, the Port of Bellingham anticipates its operating revenues will increase by $351,000, according to Airport Director Art Choat. This amount includes leases, parking revenue and other revenue from increased airport passengers.
Already the Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism is reporting a surge in the number of visitor guides being requested from people in Ohio.
"Since Skybus announced service, we have received more than 60 phone calls and e-mails from people in the Columbus area wanting visitor packets," said John Cooper, President of Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism Bureau. "They're ready to visit our region."
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