Frontier Airlines Announces Eight New Routes from Philadelphia International Airport
Frontier Airlines is making waves in the aviation industry with its latest route announcements. The Denver-based ultra-low-cost carrier has revealed plans to add eight new routes to its schedule at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). These routes, along with two others previously announced, will begin operating in May, just in time for the peak summer travel season.
For Frontier, some of these routes will be completely new nonstop offerings out of Philadelphia. In other cases, the airline will resume routes it flew in recent years or even pick back up with service it hasn’t offered since before the pandemic. The expansion will result in Frontier offering 47% more flights out of PHL than it currently does.
Atif Saeed, CEO of the Philadelphia Department of Aviation, believes that this expansion is a positive sign for the recovery of the aviation industry post-pandemic. He states that the ultra-low-cost fares offered by Frontier will expand the market reach and make travel possible for many more travelers.
This latest announcement is part of Frontier’s ongoing network shakeup strategy. The company has been focusing on doubling down on operations at some of the busiest hubs of major U.S. airlines. Just last month, Frontier announced 54 new routes that significantly bolstered its presence at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which is American Airlines’ home base and biggest hub.
Now, Frontier is expanding its footprint at American’s hub in Philadelphia, including offering a new nonstop route between Philadelphia and another major hub, Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD). As part of this expansion, Frontier will also resume flying to Kansas City International Airport (MCI) and Portland International Jetport (PWM) in Maine, which it previously served from Philadelphia.
Barry Biffle, CEO of Frontier Airlines, stated during the company’s earnings call that they are focusing on growing their presence away from highly competitive leisure markets like Orlando and Las Vegas. Instead, they are targeting “visiting friends and relative” markets, which typically have higher fares.
In an effort to attract more business travelers, Frontier recently unveiled a new business travel program. This expansion at Philadelphia aligns with the company’s recent network moves and its strategy to cater to a broader range of travelers.
The new routes announced by Frontier from Philadelphia include flights to McGhee-Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, Tennessee; Portland International Jetport (PWM); Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE); Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW); O’Hare International Airport (ORD); Indianapolis International Airport (IND); John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH); and St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL).
To promote these new routes, Frontier is offering a sale called “Frontier Loves Philly,” which includes $19 one-way fares on select flights. However, there are exclusions and blackout dates, so travelers should check Frontier’s website for specific details.
In conclusion, Frontier Airlines’ expansion at Philadelphia International Airport is a significant move for the carrier. By adding eight new routes and increasing its presence at American’s hub, Frontier is diversifying its network and targeting different types of travelers. With the summer travel season approaching, these new routes are expected to attract a wide range of passengers.