Frontier plans to add routes and flights this summer in a bid to capture some of the market share once held by competitor Spirit.
On an earnings call Tuesday, Frontier President and CEO James Dempsey confirmed the ultra-low-cost carrier will add nine routes and 15 daily departures across 18 former Spirit markets, including Orlando, Florida; Las Vegas; Dallas/Fort Worth; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Detroit.
“Given our network, low-cost structure, and disciplined approach to capacity deployment, Frontier is best positioned to provide low fares and the best value in those markets,” Dempsey said.
Though Frontier and Spirit competed directly in the same market segment, Dempsey was complimentary to the now-defunct airline, saying it “played a meaningful role in providing affordable travel to a wide range of consumers in an industry dominated by four major airlines.”
Frontier on Tuesday posted total operating revenues of $992 million and an operating loss of $283 million in the first quarter. The airline’s net loss for the quarter was $272 million, or $1.18 per share.
Increased expenses were mainly linked to the rise in jet fuel prices since early March.
Frontier officials said they expect Spirit’s collapse to help lift revenue per available seat mile by between 3% and 5%.
