Independence Air filed for bankruptcy protection today and said it plans to auction itself to raise money, or perhaps to sell off the airline's asset in pieces.
Although flights are continuing as normal for now, the filing raises the possibility that the airline will cease flying unless new money comes forward soon. The airline offers three daily flights between Charlotte and its hub at Washington Dulles International Airport.
Analysts said they believe raising money to continue operating is a longshot because the company has consistently lost money since becoming an independent airline last year. Before that, it operated regional jets on behalf of major carries including Delta Air Lines.
The airline's entry into Charlotte a year ago helped lower airfares between Charlotte and other East Coast cities.
