i'm sure there were some management mistakes (as we've heard from a couple of sx pilots on the site). but, seriously, is it a big shock that any airline, let alone an upstart, succummed to the price of oil.

it's pretty ironic that the incumbents all attacked their business plan of a la carte pricing and minimal service outside of the flights themselves -- now the incumbents are quickly moving in that exact direction. not to mention the fact that the service on a skybus flight was generally much more friendly than the service from old cranky FAs on most of the other airlines out there. so as far as that portion of the business model goes, i'd say it hasn't necessary been validated, but imitation is a pretty sincere form of flattery.

as far as other aspects of the model? secondary airports - i think some of their best loads/rasm was from the "secondary airports" they served (like punta gorda and pease); while some of their more poorly performing routes (like KC and Mil) were to "primary airports." again, that doesn't mean you can necessarily make a living by avoiding major airports, but it suggests that it's not crazy to attempt it.

skybus MAY have been able to survive some management mistakes OR (less likely) the rocketing price of fuel and a slowing economy - but it's not hard to see how it failed to survive both. i'm bummed - not just for all the employees, but for the customers and the industry (i'll catch the spears on that one).