Florida-Based Airline Forever Grounded

Southeast Airlines, a budget carrier based in Largo, FL, has ceased operations, according to company executives. The reason? High fuel prices.

A message on the Southeast Airlines web site says:

Southeast Airlines has made its final landing and has ceased airline operations. We apologize for the inconvenience this will cause to our customers. This action is due in part to the unplanned and uncontrollably high cost of fuel combined with a low yield environment that makes it impossible for Southeast to continue offering low-cost air transportation.

We sincerely thank all of our loyal employees, customers, and vendors for their dedication, support, and efforts.

Customers should refer to their Operator Participant Contracts, or contact their credit card companies, for information on how to receive refunds of their unused tickets.

Southeast operated eight aircraft on routes between Florida and the Northeast.

AirTran Airways Wednesday stepped in with a program to assist those passengers affected by Southeast Airlines' cessation of their operations. AirTran will allow Southeast passengers to reach their intended destination by flying stand-by. AirTran, which has stepped in to take over assets and gates in ATA's bankruptcy, said the cost of its offer was $50 plus taxes and fees. The offer runs through December 8.

FMI: www.seal.com, www.airtran.com