70.7% Load Factor Is Independence Air’s Highest Ever

[jtgh922]

Dulles, VA, ( April 5, 2005) – FLYi, Inc. (NASDAQ/NM: FLYI) reported preliminary March 2005 passenger traffic results today for low-fare airline Independence Air. The airline generated 255.9 million revenue passenger miles (RPMs), while available seat miles (ASMs) were 361.9 million. Independence Air load factor for March was 70.7 percent—the highest since the airline began service last year. For the month, 515,611 passengers were carried.


For the first quarter ended March 31, 2005, RPMs were at 578.5 million, while ASMs were 963.3 million. The company carried 1,276,462 passengers during the first quarter of 2005.

Chairman and Chief Executive Kerry Skeen said, "Nine months since the launch of Independence Air, we have achieved our first monthly load factor above 70%, which is a testament to the overwhelmingly positive reaction we’re receiving from our customers, as well as the dedication and enthusiasm of our employees." He added, "While we are working very hard to generate increasingly higher revenue as we go forward to offset record-high fuel costs, we are pleased to report that March has produced not only our highest load factor but our highest monthly revenue to date."

Independence Air offers low fares to a total of 41 destinations with comfortable leather seats and Tender Loving Service™. Flights to five new West Coast destinations will begin in the coming weeks (4/14: San Diego, 5/1: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and San Jose). The Independence Air hub at Washington Dulles is the largest low-fare hub in America in terms of total departures. For more information about FLYi, Inc. and Independence Air, please visit our website at FLYi.com.

Independence Air is the low -fare airline that makes travel fast and easy for its customers with a customer first attitude, innovative thinking and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

Independence Air Traffic
Month of March



2005

Revenue Passenger Miles (000)
255,946

Available Seat Miles (000)
361,859

Load Factor
70.7%

Passengers
515,611





First Quarter Ended March 31,



2005

Revenue Passenger Miles (000)
578,456

Available Seat Miles (000)
963,284

Load Factor
60.1%

Passengers
1,276,462



Seems like things are looking up for FLYi! I hope they can suceed because they are a great airline to fly.

[FlyCharlestonSC]

They are becoming more realistic with their frequencies and markets served also. EX--reducing CRW-IAD to 3x per day and dropping the CHS-FL routes.

I really hope they can pull it together. Their inflight service is the best out of any airline in Charleston and their employees tend to be enthusiastic and friendly.

[DAL767-400ER]

Loads are up, ok, but as long as their yields don't go up, they could have loads of 100% and would still lose money.

[chrisburns]

And the LF for the quarter was something in the 60's, one good month and everyone thinks that they are going to make it. Wow look at UA and NW in the mid-80's LF, you think they are going to make money, most likely not, and they have a lower CASM then I-Air.

[assghanistan]

and they have a lower CASM then I-Air.

you sure about that, chris?