Originally Posted by airbus300

I hope it works. Copied this off the internet.

A former Comair pilot is attempting to launch a new jet service targeting corporate business travelers.

Russell Stark told The Enquirer that he is in the process of launching Affinity Air Service out of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

Stark said he hopes to launch service to Newark, N.J., and Los Angeles in June or July 2013. He added that he has not secured the $20 million investment needed to launch Affinity Air.

“We’re seeking funding,” said Stark, a 30-year airline pilot.

That could be an uphill climb with rising fuel prices, said Michael Miller, vice president of strategy for the American Aviation Institute. Miller said it is common to see pilots attempt to start their own airlines.

“In my 20 years in aviation, I have seen at least 50 new airline proposals come across my desk,” Miller said. “About 30 of those have been from pilots, and I don’t think any of the 30 ever made it successful. It’s just difficult, and part of the reason is there are no unserved routes right now.”

Stark said he wants to purchase two 78-seat, CRJ 900 jets to launch service. He hopes to later add service to more than 15 cities, including Washington, Las Vegas and San Francisco.

Affinity Air would look to compete with Ultimate Air Shuttle, Stark said. Ultimate Air is based at Lunken Airport and offers corporate shuttle service to Chicago, New York and Charlotte, N.C.

CVG spokeswoman Meghan Glynn declined to discuss specifics about Affinity Air.

“We continue to pursue an aggressive air-service strategy that includes a number of carriers and a variety of options,” Glynn said.

CVG has been working to reinvent itself since dominant carrier, Delta Air Lines, began downsizing in 2005. The airport is currently building a strategy around air-cargo service and DHL’s fast-growing North American hub. CVG also has been seeking a low-cost carrier since Candace McGraw was named chief executive officer in July 2011.