Frontier Airlines is taking advantage of another airline’s struggles.
The airline says it is adding 20 new flights in the winter, many of them with ties to major Spirit Airlines markets.
This development comes after Frontier has tried and failed to merge with Spirit for the past three years.
“Frontier is not just about delivering low fares,” Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle said. “We’ve made major enhancements, from product upgrades to the most rewarding loyalty program, and investments in technology and service, as part of The New Frontier.”
The airline says new routes from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., will depart for Detroit, Houston, Chicago and Charlotte, N.C. In addition, flights out of Houston to New Orleans; San Pedro Sula, Honduras; and Guatemala City will also be offered.
Currently, Frontier overlaps with Spirit by more than 30% of its capacity, surpassing any other airline.
Spirit Airlines is struggling to stay afloat
Spirit Airlines has publicly acknowledged its struggles just five months after it emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Spirit Aviation Holdings, the budget carrier’s parent company, has expressed doubt about continuing operations over the next year. The weak demand for leisure travel and other challenges hammered them in their second quarter of their fiscal year, leading to a near $246 million loss.
Last week, Spirit drew down the entire $275 million of its revolving credit despite reaching a multiyear extension on its credit card processing agreement with U.S. Bank N.A.
The airline’s stock also plummeted more than 40 percent earlier this month.
