Low-cost airline targets Miami International. (Air South to use Miami International Airport as base for East Coast operations)

Air South to start with service to S.C., Atlanta

MIAMI -- A low-cost, short-haul carrier that bills itself as a Southwest Airlines of the East Coast will begin service Monday between Miami and Columbia, S.C.

Supported by more than $15 million in government-backed aid, Air South Inc. will also serve St. Petersburg and Atlanta.

The airline will offer introductory prices starting at $37 one way between Miami and St. Petersburg, and $89 one way from Miami to Atlanta and Columbia.

"It's the first one here" to fly to Columbia, said Miami International Airport spokesman Marc Henderson.

Air South plans to start with two Boeing 737 jets that will fly …