Frontier to Open Puerto Rico Crew Base

Ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines has continually expanded crew bases across its network over the past quarters. Most recently, the Denver-based carrier has announced its easternmost base in the network, San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU). The new crew base will be open to flight attendants and pilots, becoming the carrier’s 13th crew base spread across North America. 

The opening of the new base will have slots for 90 pilots and 200 flight attendants. San Juan will have slightly more positions than the previously announced base opening in Cincinnati and slightly less than those announced for the split Chicago base. 

The ULCC has begun transitioning to a flying schedule of out-and-back or day trips for the company’s flight crews. This removes overnights from schedules and aims to have crews begin and end their days in base. This type of flying necessitates the need for a large number of crew bases due to Frontier having a vast route network. Thus to ease this transition from traditional multi-day trips, the carrier has rapidly expanded the number of crew bases to assist. 

Frontier currently operates 14 nonstop routes from San Juan as far west as Dallas and Chicago. The carrier has service from two other cities on the island to Orlando as well. 

Economic Impact

Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle believes the new base will have a positive impact on the community stating “Our base will provide significant economic impact and new jobs for Puerto Ricans. A crew base also helps support smooth flight operations – benefiting customers flying to and from the island who will have access to a wide variety of destinations, including a number of underserved markets, as we continue to grow our Puerto Rico operations.” The opening of the base is anticipated to generate $84 million locally and establish a foundation for continued growth according to the carrier. 

The base is slated to open in June of this year. The carrier joins Silver Airways as the only 121 operators to have a crew base in San Juan.

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Zach Cooke

Zach’s love for aviation began when he was in elementary school with a flight sim and model planes. This passion for being in the air only intensified throughout high school when he earned his Private Pilot Certificate. He then attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, earning his certificates and ratings to later flight instruct and share his passion for aviation with others. He now resides in the North East living out his dream as an airline pilot.

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