- From Chicago-Rockford International Airport News Release -

Rockford, IL - The Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) announced today that Southern Skyways will discontinue their Denver service. The last flight will be on Monday, August 18, 2008. All customers currently booked on Southern Skyway flights associated with RFD scheduled for departure after August 18th will receive a cancellation notice from the airline along with a full refund for any and all unused tickets booked. Every flight between today's notice, including the August 18th flight and all "Day Trips," will be flown as scheduled.

"Regrettably the Southern Skyways service based at RFD will soon be discontinued. Needless to say, we are all very disappointed by the decision being announced. Alternatively, we are appreciative of the interest and support of the regional community in air service development,” said Executive Director Bob O’Brien.

RFD Board Chairman Mike Dunn said that the Airport Authority firmly believes that RFD is an economic engine and instrument towards enhancing the quality of life for Winnebago County residents. “Along the way, we collectively discovered a niche market opportunity called "Day Tripping," whereby 131 people could fly non-stop, hassle-free to highly-desired destinations such as: Niagara Falls, Mackinac Island, and NASCAR races like the Brickyard 400 for a fun filled, full day of activities, said Dunn.

“This is not the end, as some might speculate”, said O’Brien. “The airline industry is undergoing a paradigm shift and it must. Business as usual isn't an acceptable solution to $5.00 per gallon jet fuel. Instead, this is a time out - at worse - all very necessary for purposes of assessing how best to advance the RFD cause going forward,” he continued.

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