Airline startup PEOPLExpress like any new business, is going through a few early growing pains.
The low-cost airline took to Facebook to apologize to 81 passengers left stranded after both the captain and first officer of a scheduled flight were unable to fly.
The airline said there was no on-call backup crew available which caused "extensive delays and one cancellation."
PEOPLExpress founder Mike Morisi said there lapses were in service, but the airline spent $20,000 for hotels and meals for stranded passengers.
The Facebook post called the snafu a "perfect storm," and the carrier is working hard to add additional crews and work out the kinks.
"As you can imagine, the call center was overwhelmed, customers were told the reason for the delay and what we could do for them," Morisi said.
Morisi’s Facebook post went on to describe the fallout from the service disruption.
"Most of the customers affected understand these things do happen and have been kind and understanding and we thank you, but on the other hand, many believe that screaming and cursing is the appropriate way to express themselves," it read.
PEOPLExpress began flying on June 30 from Newport News/Williamsburg Airport in Virginia and offers base fares starting at $59.
