Valujet is the latest start-up carrier to begin serving the region because of broad changes in the airline industry.

That response is typical of other major airlines competing against start-up carriers, a strategy that spreads the effect of a low-cost carrier serving a new route.

The move is another signal that the Clinton Administration is supporting the efforts of start-up carriers.

Unable to get the airline business out of his system, Mr. Plaskett helped to back a start-up carrier, Legend Airlines, in 2000.

The start-up carrier is seeking approval from the Transportation Department to operate short-haul flights along the East Coast.

In words and deeds, the Department of Transportation has signaled that it intends to protect the efforts of start-up carriers.

The danger for start-up carriers comes at this phase.

"For a start-up carrier, it's definitely important to have good name recognition," he said.

Its new aircraft are much quieter than the older planes used by many start-up carriers.

But that would limit access by start-up carriers and airlines that fly to small cities, he said.