Skybus may review its business strategy

CEO's departure a sign, analyst says

(Winston-Salem Journal) - The sudden departure of Skybus Airlines’ leader yesterday has analysts questioning the stability of its low-fare strategy as high oil prices overshadow the industry.

But local economic leaders expressed confidence that despite the resignation of Bill Diffenderffer as chief executive, Skybus will ride out the current problems and maintain a second operational base at Piedmont Triad International Airport, where it has 80 employees.

The airline, based in Columbus, Ohio, said that Diffenderffer told the board of directors he was “resigning to return to the book-writing career he left in 2005” to become chief executive.