All of these new destinations are smaller airports close to the bigger cities. New destinations include Punta Gorda (Ft Myers), Gulfport Biloxy (New Orleans), Milwaukee (Chicago) and Newburgh (New York City).

In addition to opening new routes, the airline has also decided to lease one aircraft for every three new routes.

Justin Caughenbaugh, Chief Executive of Skybus, said: “We’re excited to add Milwaukee, Newburgh and others to our list of great destinations.”

“And we’re excited to offer our passengers in these markets our unique combination of nonstop flights, less-congested airports and outrageously low fares.”

For more information, visit www.skybusva.com

Once the initial flight was made, the A319 then carried passengers to Greensboro NC and back with a turnaround time of 23 minutes.

As the new era of Skybus VA is here we had a chance to speak with one of the passengers on board and this is what she said. “I wanted to thank you so much for the great flight I just flew from Greensboro NC to Port Columbus OH and I loved the flight. Everyone was great, I can not wait to fly again with you all. Keep up the great work”.

Joe Poston, the CFO and also First Officer of the flights reported, “The current earnings with two aircraft flying on opening day and carrying 932 passengers made a whopping $208,380.00.”

“It is a very good feeling to this amount on two planes that went to two destinations, just think what Skybus Va’s profit is going to be when all 65 planes are in action and to all destinations.” Says Justin.

All Skybus flights will board from the ground, using a ramp to the front door and stairs at the back door. The method is quicker and more cost-effective than using a ramp as most major airlines do at Port Columbus.

The plane holds 153 passengers. Among those taking the maiden voyage were Skybus CEO Justin Caughenbaugh, CFO Joe Poston, President Jason Fausnaugh and Vice President Michael Herron. They were joined by dozens of jubilant vacationers such as Vicki and Dean of Canal Winchester, who said Skybus’ low fares made possible a long-standing wish to visit the Richmond Area.

“I’ve always wanted to go. I’ve heard it’s a beautiful state, and people don’t want to come back,” said Vicki.

Although the Simses weren’t able to get the lowest fares of $10 each way before taxes and fees, said the $105 they paid was still much less than what it would have cost prior to the launch of Skybus.

Sitting on the tarmac awaiting an expected 5 p.m. takeoff to Kansas City was Skybus’ second plane, which features a giant ad for Nationwide on its fuselage. Skybus is seeking paid advertising on the exterior and interior of its jets as a way of raising more revenue.

Skybus is largely modeled after Irish airline Ryanair, which has become Europe’s biggest passenger airline by keeping ticket prices very low and charging for extras such as snacks, checked bags and priority boarding. Checked bags on Skybus cost $5 each for the first two bags, while there is a $10-per-person fee for priority boarding.

The morning’s flight is expected to reach Richmond at 10:15 a.m. there, Richmond is in the central part of Virgina, and about 70 miles from the beaches.

More than 200,000 tickets have been sold for Skybus flights since they went on sale at 6 a.m. on January 2.

The airline offers eight nonstop destinations from Port Columbus: Los Angeles, via Burbank, Calif.; San Diego, ; Kansas City, Mo.; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Richmond, Va.; the Boston market, via Portsmouth, N.H.;, via Bellingham, Wash.; and Greensboro/Winston-Salem, N.C. ST. Augustine, Fla.