Cites Crew Shortages, Lack Of Airplanes

With a shortage of crew members and only one airplane, startup scheduled carrier PeoplExpress has temporarily suspended its operations with the hope of resuming flights by October 16.

The airline started flying on June 30, and offered flights on seven routes from its base in Newport News, VA. But the Associated Press reports that the airline has suffered a series of setbacks that have kept it from maintaining its full schedule. Among those issues was damage to one of its 737 airplanes caused when it was struck by a vendor's truck on September 19.

The airline's founder, Mike Morisi, has apologized to passengers for what he called a "perfect storm" of problems, but also chastised passengers who he said "believe that screaming and cursing a 25 year-old customer service representative" is OK.

The airline had hoped to serve markets that have seen flights reduced by the ongoing consolidation of the airline industry. While its base fares are low, it uses an extensive fee schedule for things such as soft drinks and carry-on luggage.

FMI: www.flypex.com