Notes from Charlotte County, Florida

Skybus, the Columbus, Ohio-based regional airline ceased operations Saturday, in the face of mounting financial concerns and announced plans to file for bankruptcy protection early next week. Skybus was the only airline since the 1980s to offer commercial service in and out of the Charlotte County Airport in Punta Gorda. It operated out of the recently completed Bailey Terminal where it operated for only four months.

"We're disappointed. However, we feel like Skybus has proved our market," said Airport Authority Executive Director Gary Quill, who added that the airline had 40,000 passengers coming through the airport in March. "Clearly, we're a good prospect in the future for someone else or possibly Skybus, if they emerge from bankruptcy." Quill went on to indicate that the Airport Authority has been in conversation with other air carriers.