In mid-October, Skybus Airline officially struck a deal with Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro.

Skybus is based off European revolutionary RyanAir airline that focuses on “outrageously” low fares, non-stop flights and maximum efficiency.

“The roundtrip ticket from Greensboro to my hometown, St. Augustine, Fla., is only 30 bucks," junior James Glenos said. “It’s pretty sweet!”

The airline also offers at least 10 seats on every flight at $10 per ticket, but they sell out quickly.

On average, Skybus is 65 percent cheaper than other airlines in the United States, according to their Web site. The price of tickets ranges from $30 to $330.

“The greatest advantages of Skybus for Elon University and Law School students are the very inexpensive fares to attractive destinations around the country," said Don Kirkman, president/CEO of Piedmont Triad Partnership.

Once Skybus is fully operational there will initially be eight non-stop destinations including Boston, New York, LA, San Francisco, New Orleans, Fort Lauderdale.

In effect, this deal will cause PTI to become the number one fastest growing airport in the country in the upcoming 24 months.

As for efficiency, Skybus averages just 21 minutes from the time passengers exit the plane to the time the next load of passengers board the plane.

To achieve maximum efficiency passengers carry on their luggage, unless they want to pay a small fee. They also enter the plane from the ground, not the traditional jetway.

Additionally, Skybus is located in airports that are not at maximum capacity yet. Therefore, parking is easier, delays are very unlikely and efficiency is greater.

Skybus decided to locate one of its two hubs in the Piedmont Triad region because the population in the area is more than 1.5 million and is projected to continue to have strong growth in the coming years.

The Triad is rich in college students, Skybus's primary costumer target, with Elon University, UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University, NC State, UNC-Greensboro, A&T University and Greensboro College located within about 75 miles of the airport.

Through this coordinated effort more than $1 million was given to Skybus up front and up to $4 million will be reimbursed by means of tax incentives. PTI will also spend approximately $10 million on renovations and new facility construction.

Reporter: Parker McCallister - 11/07/07