Independence Air's ad, "Go your own Way," is the heart of the airline. On June 16, Atlantic Coast Airlines (ACA) went where no regional carrier had gone before: it launched services as low-fare operator Independence Air, with, of all things, a fleet of 87 50-seat Bombardier CRJs, Its lofty goal: transform Washington Dulles International Airport into "the largest low-fare hub in America." It's difficult to categorize Independence— it's a new low-fare carrier, yet one with a resume. Atlantic Coast has accumulated market experience since its startup in 1989, operating as a United Express and Delta Connection carrier. In 2003, it entertained transformation dreams during difficult contract-renewal negotiations with United and a hostile, and unsuccessful, takeover bid by Mesa Air Group. It has since ended its relationships with United and Delta. By Sept. 1, Independence will offer 300 daily departures from Washington Dulles to 35 destinations. And when deliveries of 27 Airbus A319s start late this year, it will begin rolling out services to the West Coast, Midwest and Florida. Its mantra: a "customer-first, faster, easier travel experience" predicated on low fares and "frequencies, frequencies, frequencies." By Aug. 6, for instance, it will offer 16 flights a day to Atlanta. Ticket prices range from $39-179, one way, one-class, Web-booked. It offers assigned seating, low walkup fares and no blackout periods for frequent fliers. All its fares will be 30-40% lower than regular market fares, and walkup, 70% lower. Industry responded with more than a dollop of skepticism—"an impossible business model." Independence Air Chairman/CEO Kerry Skeen met with Aviation Week and Space Technology Transport Editor Frances Fiorina and Senior Transport Editor David Bond to tell it his way.
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