The Gary airport authority will not be offering the airline marketing money as it has with some previous startups, Curry said. It may be able to offer some incentives such as a break on landing fees or others it has used in the past.

The airport authority is waiting for Price to deliver a business plan before moving forward, Curry said.

"Initially, there will be no out-of-pocket revenue going their way," Curry said.

Viza Air is in the process of raising $25 million in capital, Price said. It wants to raise $20 million from institutional investors and $5 million from small investors and businesspeople in northern Indiana, Price said.

The airline company does not currently fly any planes, Price said.

In addition to the Gary flights, Viza Air also plans to fly from South Bend to Reagan National and Boston, Price said.

Discussions between Viza Air and Reagan National are in the "very preliminary stage" and the airport is awaiting more information from the airline, according to Tara Hamilton, a spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

She said only the FAA or Department of Transportation can confirm if Viza Air had obtained slots at Reagan National.

South Bend Regional Director John Schalliol said he received a May 12 letter from Viza Air requesting information about landing fees and destinations the airport would like to add.