Independence Air To Cease Flights

Flyi Inc., parent of low-fare airline Independence Air, said Monday it will discontinue flights after Thursday evening because of its continued financial challenges.

The company had warned last week that it would cease operating Jan. 7 if it was unable to find a major investor or buyer.

Flyi, which filed for bankruptcy protection in November, said it is now seeking bankruptcy court approval to automatically refund customers with reservations for flights scheduled to depart beyond Thursday at 7 p.m.

"While we've been clear in reminding everyone that this was a possibility, we remained optimistic that there would be a way to avoid reaching this juncture," Independence Air Chairman and Chief Executive Kerry Skeen said. "To date, there has not been a firm offer put forward that meets the financial criteria necessary to continue operations as is."

Independence Air began service in June 2004 and currently offers more than 200 daily departures to 37 destinations.

The airline offered flights from three North Carolina airports, but announced plans in September to trim the number of departures in Raleigh, Charlotte and Greensboro.