A new short-haul budget airline has been announced in the States, with single fares starting at $10 before tax.

Skybus is the latest airline to start up in what has been a difficult market to crack in the US, but aims to bring to the US what Ryanair has done for Europe - cheap flights; no thrills.

Despite similar ventures such as People Express and Laker Airways both running into severe financial difficulties Skybus believe they have the right ideas to avoid such problems.

A $160 million cushion is also hoped to avoid mistakes from reoccurring in Skybus’ camp.

In keeping with the manner in which it will transport passengers, the airline’s online information and press contact comes across as upfront and frank, although also at times rather witty.

Referring to the strictly web-based ticket purchasing option, the airlines website insists: "Don’t call us; we don’t have a phone number."

And explaining the service on offer, Bill Diffenderffer, Skybus’ chief executive said, "we want to give exactly what the customer wants, and nothing more."

Current Skybus destinations are Columbus to Burbank (LA); Portsmouth (Boston); Bellingham (Seattle); Kansas City; Richmond; Fort Lauderdale; and Greensboro.

In June, flights are planned to Oakland, California.

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