Skybus Hires as It Gets Ready to Fly

Skybus Airlines' low fares have resulted in 200,000 bookings since the Columbus-based carrier started selling tickets April 24.

The $10 strategy is obviously getting attention, not just in central Ohio but nationwide. The no-frills airline offers $10 fares for at least 10 seats on each flight to eight destinations.

The airline sold 60,000 one-way tickets by 5 p.m. on its first day of sales.

At Port Columbus yesterday, Skybus President Ken Gile yesterday outlined for Columbus City Council members what Skybus has done to get ready for its first scheduled flight on May 22.

The city has a lot riding on the startup airline: $14 million in incentives City Council approved in November.

The airline has created 178 jobs so far and plans to create a total of 886 within three years. An additional 241 jobs will be outsourced, including baggage handlers and aircraft and engine maintenance workers, airline spokesman Bob Tenenbaum said.

The starting salary for pilots is $65,000, Gile said. That can rise based on hours flown. The average full-time employee will make $40,000 to $43,000, he said.

Councilwoman Charleta B. Tavares told Gile to make sure the airline is doing enough to hire Columbus residents, adding that the city is ready to help new employees find housing in Columbus.

"I don't think you'll find a shortage of employees here," Councilman Kevin L. Boyce said.

Gile said the company's human-resources director is reaching out to find workers from all economic levels.

The job hunt continues.

Skybus will be interviewing for flight attendants between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Friday at the Central Ohio Workforce Investment Corp., 1111 E. Broad St.

Also, Skybus will be hosting interviews for flight attendants beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday at the Fort Rapids Holiday Inn, 4560 Hilton Corporate Dr., on the East Side, according to the airline's Web site.

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