A New Discount Airline Grows Quietly Near Chicago; Is There a Gary In Your Future? If You Want to Fly Somewhere Warm, There May Be

When it started up last year, SkyValue USA, a new airline based in Gary, Indiana, planned to only fly during winter months, offering discounted flights to warm spots such as Florida, Arizona and Nevada.  But apparently business has been good enough to justify a year-round schedule, according to Darrell Richardson, CEO of SkyValue. 

The airline currently serves Mesa, an alternative airport to Phoenix, as well as Las Vegas, Orlando, and St. Petersburg, FL.  Its founders hope low fares along with Gary's smaller, less busy airport will lure travelers from the Chicago area weary of fighting crowds at O'Hare and Midway. 

Fligths to Ft. Lauderdale were canceled due to lack of interest, but the airline is considering adding a flight to the Los Angeles area. 

Interestingly, SkyValue flies chartered Boeing 747-800 jets.  Fares begin at $79 each way and rise in cost as seats are sold.