More negotiations and backroom bickering on the battle to take over Spirit.

The negotiation and bickering continue at a pace in the battle to take over Spirit Airlines, following the news that the Frontier Group Holdings has amended its offer for the ailing budget carrier. 

Just added is a condition that Frontier would pay a reverse termination fee of $250 million, or $2.23 per share, to Spirit in the unlikely event the combination is not consummated for antitrust reasons.

William A. Franke, the Chair of Frontier's Board of Directors and the managing partner of Indigo Partners, Frontier's majority shareholder, said, "We continue to believe in the strategic rationale of a combined Spirit and Frontier, which brings together two complementary businesses to create America's most competitive ultra-low fare airline. Given our conviction that regulators will find this combination to be pro-competitive, we have agreed to institute a reverse termination fee. We look forward to bringing these two companies together and delivering on the benefits for all stakeholders."

Ted Christie, President and CEO of Spirit, said, "Since announcing our transaction with Frontier, we have had extensive constructive conversations with our stockholders, who have expressed support for the strategic rationale of our combination but a desire for additional stockholder protections. After discussing this feedback with the Frontier Board and management team, we have agreed to amend the merger agreement. We look forward to closing the transaction and bringing more ultra-low fares to more people in more places."

Spirit has employed a firm more used to lobbying politicians to lobby shareholders to accept the Frontier deal, rather than the rival and way more lucrative offer from the New York hometown airline JetBlue. 

JetBlue issued a statement in which it blamed conflict amoung members of Spirit's board for the way they continue to prompote a deal against the best interests of shareholders. "yet again, they have failed to do. Spirit’s Board only went back to Frontier under pressure, when it became increasingly clear their shareholders would decisively reject the Spirit Board’s flawed process and Frontier’s inferior transaction.

The addition of a reverse termination fee in the face of a likely defeat is simply an acknowledgement that the regulatory profiles and timelines of both deals are indeed similar. Spirit had already admitted that its own prior unreasonably optimistic projections of receiving approval this year were in fact not accurate. Experts agree both transactions will receive the same level of scrutiny.

JetBlue will review and assess the revised terms of the amended merger agreement once it has been made available. We believe we have put forward a clearly superior offer and remain prepared to negotiate in good faith a consensual transaction at $33, subject to receiving necessary diligence. We urge Spirit shareholders to continue to let the Spirit Board know they want an open, fair process, providing us a level playing field and full access to the same information available to Frontier. There is still time for the Spirit Board to do the right thing for their shareholders."

As this take-over battle continues the reputation of all three firms is taking a knocking, many of JetBlue's own management are against the propsotion to take over Spirit. A top level leader in another of Indigo Partners airlines has said the Frontier / Spirit merger will not survive regulatiory investigation and has already put a strain on future development for the rest of the group.  

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Spirit's board still against JetBlue take over deal

The board of the budget airline Spirit has yet again rejected the advances of JetBlue,  in favour of a takeover bid from Frontier.  The low-cost airline's bosses are still claiming that the JetBlue deal would face substantial regulatory hurdles, especially while the Northeast Alliance NEA with American Airlines remains in effect. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently suing JetBlue and American Airlines, alleging that the NEA is anti-competitive. Spirit is opposed to the NEA on grounds that it is anti-competitive,  Spirit does not believe the DOJ, or a court, will be persuaded that JetBlue should be allowed to form an anticompetitive alliance that aligns its interests with a legacy carrier (American) and then undertake an acquisition that will eliminate the largest ULCC carrier in the U.S. (Spirit).

In response, JetBlue issued the following statement  'It’s no surprise that Spirit shareholders are getting more of the same from the Spirit Board. The Spirit Board, driven by serious conflicts of interest, continues to ignore the best interests of its shareholders by distorting the facts to distract from their flawed process and protect their inferior deal with Frontier.

Regarding regulatory approval, Spirit would have you ignore the current regulatory climate to think that approval of their Frontier deal is assured. That is simply not true. Both deals are subject to regulatory review, and both deals have a similar risk profile. Spirit shareholders recognize that and are showing great interest in hearing more about our superior offer and the regulatory commitments and protections we have made, including a reverse break-up fee.

Frontier offers less value, more risk, and no regulatory commitments, despite a similar regulatory profile. We are confident that as we continue to share the facts directly with Spirit shareholders, they will be even more perplexed than they already are about why the conflicted Spirit Board has refused to negotiate with us in good faith. We believe that the Spirit shareholders will make their views known by voting against the Frontier offer and tendering their shares into our offer.'

Which way Spirit's shareholders will go remains to be seen, however, if nothing happens and Spirit is left to flounder, it will be toast before the end of this year. The company has more debts than it can realistically cope with, it is running at a loss and some of its legal fees are being picked up by another airline entity. Its management has been making calls with the senior leadership of another mega-carrier and has effectively not been completely honest with shareholders, as the merger or takeover by Frontier would also face anti-competition opposition and investigation from authorities.  

From the outside, it would seem like Spirit's board is acting against the company's and shareholders' interests, one might even say there is a whiff of dishonesty in the air, oh how that aroma of corruption seems to linger. However,  that's not to say the JetBlue deal would present problems, even if it did go through.  It would be an uphill battle for the New York based airline to win the hearts and minds of Spirit employees that have been poisoned against JetBlue and everything it stands for.  The reputation of JetBlue hangs in the balance either way, which is something that costs millions and takes decades to achieve, but only moments to lose. 

 

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JetBlue Urges Spirit Shareholders to Protect Their Interests and ‘Vote No’ on Frontier Transaction

JetBlue has spent a special message to Spirit shareholders asking them to “Vote No” to an inferior deal from Frontier.

JetBlue commenced an all-cash, fully financed tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Spirit for $30 per share, without interest and less any required withholding taxes. Given the Spirit Board of Directors’ complete unwillingness to share the same necessary diligence information that was shared with Frontier, JetBlue is now offering to acquire Spirit for $30 per share in cash through a fully financed tender offer. This represents a 60% premium to the value of the Frontier transaction as of May 13, 2022 – a very compelling offer and higher than the premium implied by JetBlue’s original proposal. JetBlue is fully prepared to negotiate in good faith a consensual transaction at $33, subject to receiving necessary diligence.

JetBlue launched a website at www.JetBlueOffersMore.com and issued a letter to Spirit shareholders detailing the benefits of its transaction, the certainty of closing, and the misleading statements made by Spirit. In the letter, JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes states:

“JetBlue offers more value – a significant premium in cash – more certainty, and more benefits for all stakeholders. Frontier offers less value, more risk, no divestiture commitments, and no reverse break-up fee, despite more overlap on non-stop routes and their own regulatory challenges."

“Yet the Spirit Board failed to provide us the necessary diligence information it had provided Frontier and then summarily rejected our proposal, which addressed its regulatory concerns, without asking us even a single question about it. The Spirit Board based its rejection on unsupportable claims that are easily refuted."

“Ask yourself a simple question: why won’t the Spirit Board engage with us constructively? The interests of Bill Franke’s Indigo Partners and the long-standing relationships between the two companies is the obvious answer.”

The letter goes on to note that JetBlue’s current proposal still offers more value and certainty for Spirit shareholders than Frontier, and stresses that the company is prepared to engage on the basis of its original proposal, if the Spirit Board acts in good faith:

“Based on the clear superiority of our offer, we expected the Spirit Board to engage constructively. Given its unwillingness to share necessary information or negotiate in good faith, we adjusted our price accordingly, but will work towards a consensual transaction at $33 per share, subject to receiving the information to support it.”

JetBlue makes its bid to buy Spirit better.....

Despite customer concern, the New York airline JetBlue has confirmed it has enhanced its offer to buy out budget carrier Spirit this week which smashes the offer from Frontier.   JetBlue now says it will divest some of the overlapping routes and will pay $33 cash per share for all of the outstanding common stock of Spirit. 

To further sweeten the deal, JetBlue has announced it would agree to divest assets of JetBlue and Spirit up to a material adverse effect on Spirit, with a limited carve-out for actions that would adversely impact JetBlue’s Northeast Alliance (NEA) with American Airlines.

The full proposal is here.

Remedy package to address NEA and regulatory concerns: JetBlue would offer a remedy package that includes the divestiture of all Spirit assets in New York and Boston so that JetBlue does not increase its presence in the airports covered by the NEA. The package would also include gates and assets at other airports, including Fort Lauderdale.

Reverse breakup fee: JetBlue would provide for a $200 million reverse break-up fee, representing approximately $1.80 per Spirit share, that would become payable to Spirit in the unlikely event the JetBlue transaction is not consummated for antitrust reasons.

Superior, all-cash premium: JetBlue’s proposal continues to offer Spirit shareholders $33 in cash per common share, a 47% premium to the value of the Frontier transaction as of April 29, 2022 (a) and a 52% premium to Spirit’s share price as of February 4, 2022 (b) (the last trading day prior to the Spirit-Frontier announcement).

“By creating a national competitor to the Big Four airlines, this transaction would deliver meaningful benefits for customers, superior value for shareholders of both airlines, and new opportunities for our combined crewmembers,” said Robin Hayes, chief executive officer, JetBlue. “We have confidence that we can complete this transaction to bring more low fares and great service to more customers. A JetBlue-Spirit combination will deliver enhanced financial strength and accelerate revenue growth and profitability for JetBlue shareholders.”

The regulatory commitments in JetBlue’s enhanced offer represent a significant improvement compared to those offered by Frontier. The revised offer comes after Spirit limited JetBlue’s access to important due diligence data yet requested unprecedented commitments from JetBlue that far exceed those in prior airline transactions.

“Spirit shareholders would be better off with the certainty of our substantial cash premium, regulatory commitments, and reverse break-up fee protection,” Hayes said. “The Frontier transaction has a similar regulatory profile to ours but offers no divestiture commitment and no reverse break-up fee, while the uncertain value of Frontier’s stock exposes Spirit shareholders to significant risk. We hope the Spirit Board will now recognize that ours is clearly a superior proposal and engage with us more constructively than they have to date. We are making our offer public so their shareholders are aware this attractive value-creating opportunity is available to them.”

Spirit shareholders will assume a number of risks if the Frontier transaction moves forward:

Frontier is not required to undertake any divestitures to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals to close its transaction, despite having greater overlap with Spirit on nonstop routes than JetBlue does, among other regulatory hurdles.

Frontier is not required to pay a reverse break-up fee if the transaction is not consummated for antitrust reasons even though the Frontier transaction has a similar regulatory profile as the proposed transaction with JetBlue.

The value of Frontier’s stock, the basis for the transaction’s value to Spirit shareholders, is subject to significant risks and has already declined approximately 14% since Frontier’s offer was announced. Specifically, the value of Frontier’s stock declined from $12.39 on February 4, 2022, to $10.61 on April 29, 2022, which translated into a deterioration of the value of the Frontier transaction of $3.41 per Spirit share or approximately $370 million .

The financial projections underpinning the transaction with Frontier are based on unrealistically optimistic assumptions, especially with respect to costs associated with personnel attrition and wage inflation. Their model does not consider any wage increases for team members, including pilots, at a time of high attrition and an anticipated shortage of pilots.

JetBlue Effect 3x Greater than ULCCs; Similar Regulatory Profile to Frontier

A combined JetBlue-Spirit will create a more compelling national low-fare competitor to challenge the Big Four airlines that control more than 80% of the U.S. market. When JetBlue introduces its unique combination of low fares and award-winning service onto new routes, legacy carriers lower their fares and customers win with more choice. With its positive effect on competition, and backed by its regulatory commitments, JetBlue has a high degree of confidence in its ability to achieve regulatory approval of its acquisition of Spirit.

JetBlue’s entry into new nonstop routes triggers fare decreases from legacy airlines that are more significant than those resulting from ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) – approximately 16%, or three times the result of ULCCs on legacy nonstop routes – known as the JetBlue Effect.

The faster expansion of JetBlue and the JetBlue Effect, coupled with a proposed remedy package and the continued expansion of other ULCCs, will address regulatory concerns that Spirit, the regulators, or the courts may have.

Both transactions would result in companies of similar size, creating the No. 5 U.S. airline: JetBlue/Spirit would have a 9% market share based on full year 2022 seats compared to 8% for a combined Frontier/Spirit.

Contrary to common misperceptions, JetBlue has significantly less overlap with Spirit in terms of flights, seats, and ASMs than Frontier in the metropolitan areas served by both (c). JetBlue overlaps with Spirit only on 48 nonstop routes compared to Spirit and Frontier’s overlap on 76 nonstop routes (d).

The NEA – which JetBlue strongly believes will be allowed to continue because the alliance is delivering the customer benefits promised – is not a factor in this transaction. Given the remedy package, JetBlue's analysis finds that the presence of the NEA would have no meaningful economic effect in a JetBlue-Spirit transaction.

“Customers shouldn’t have to choose between a low fare and a great experience, and with JetBlue, it’s possible for customers to have both,” Hayes said. “Both the NEA and the proposed Spirit transaction are strategic actions that accelerate our existing growth plan and bring the JetBlue Effect to more customers in the Northeast, Florida, and around the country. By bringing together the power of the JetBlue and Spirit teams, this combination would strengthen JetBlue’s ability to grow, deliver outstanding service, and compete in a domestic market dominated by the four largest airlines. We look forward to delivering these benefits to all stakeholders once Spirit determines our proposal to be superior and we close the transaction.”

JetBlue's Revised and Superior Proposal 

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Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines to Combine

Spirit Airlines and Frontier Group Holdings announced this week a definitive merger agreement under which the airlines will merge into one entity forming one of the most competitive ultra-low fare airlines in the U.S.

Together, Frontier and Spirit expect to change the industry for the benefit of consumers, bringing more ultra-low fares to more travellers in more destinations across the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean, including major cities as well as underserved communities. The stronger financial profile of the combined company will empower it to accelerate investment in innovation and growth and compete even more aggressively, especially against the dominant “Big Four” airlines, among others.

William A. Franke, the Chair of Frontier’s Board of Directors and the managing partner of Indigo Partners, Frontier’s majority shareholder, noted that Indigo has a long history with both Spirit and Frontier, and is proud to partner with them in creating a disruptive airline. “We worked jointly with the Board of Directors and senior management team across both carriers to arrive at a combination of two complementary businesses that together will create America’s most competitive ultra-low fare airline for the benefit of consumers.”

“We are thrilled to join forces with Frontier to further democratize air travel,” said Ted Christie, President and CEO of Spirit. “This transaction is centred around creating an aggressive ultra-low fare competitor to serve our Guests even better, expand career opportunities for our Team Members and increase competitive pressure, resulting in more consumer-friendly fares for the flying public. We look forward to uniting our talented teams to shake up the airline industry while also continuing our commitment to excellent Guest service.”

Highly Complementary Networks to Serve Over 145 Destinations Across the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean

Consumers Win With $1 Billion in Annual Savings and Even More Ultra-Low Fares to More Places

Combined Airline to Drive Competition and Expand Service to Underserved Small and Mid-Sized Cities Across the United States

Combined Fleet Will Be the Youngest, Most Fuel-Efficient and Greenest in the United States

Combination Provides Better Opportunities and More Stability for 15,000 Professionals, Adding 10,000 Direct Jobs by 2026

“This combination is all about growth, opportunities and creating value for everyone – from our Guests to our Team Members to the flying public at large,” said Mac Gardner, Chairman of the Board of Spirit. “We’re a perfect fit – our businesses share similar values, including our longstanding commitment to affordable travel. At the same time, we have complementary footprints and fleets, including one of the youngest and greenest fleets worldwide. Together, we will be even more competitive for our Guests and our Team Members, and we are confident we can deliver on the benefits of this combination to consumers.”

“Together, Frontier and Spirit will be America’s Greenest Airline and deliver more ultra-low fares to more people in more places,” said Barry Biffle, President and CEO of Frontier. “I couldn’t be more excited for our team members, customers, partners, the communities we serve and our shareholders.”

Frontier Airlines Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Financial Results

Frontier Group Holdings, Inc., parent company of Frontier Airlines, reported its fourth quarter and full-year 2021 financial results.

Frontier ended 2021 with a total fleet of 110 aircraft, which is six percent higher than the corresponding prior year period and 12 percent higher than the comparable pre-COVID quarter in 2019. Frontier's fleet continues to be the most fuel-efficient of all major U.S. carriers when measured by ASMs per fuel gallon consumed, generating over 100 ASMs per gallon during the fourth quarter and the full year 2021, representing Frontier's commitment to continued fuel efficiency as the airline grows.

On November 13, 2021, Frontier executed an order of 91 additional A321neo aircraft that are scheduled for delivery between 2023 and 2029. These aircraft commitments will enable the airline to significantly increase in size by 2029 while advancing its industry-leading environmental efforts and fuel-efficiency advantage.

Frontier's capacity, measured by ASMs, was four percent higher in the fourth quarter compared to the corresponding 2019 quarter. Frontier continued its domestic and international expansion, opening four new stations and operating an average of over 450 flights per day. This was ten percent higher than the comparable 2019 quarter.

Total revenue per passenger in the fourth quarter was approximately $103. Of this amount, ancillary revenue was $63 per passenger, eight percent higher than the comparable 2019 quarter, supported by the economic recovery and the Company's innovative product offerings. Full year 2021 ancillary revenue per passenger was approximately $61, six percent higher than 2019. Despite the impact of the Delta and Omicron variants, and rising fuel prices, management remained financially disciplined and the Company ended the year in a strong financial position.

“Throughout 2021, Frontier displayed its operational and financial resiliency notwithstanding the persistent challenges from COVID-19 variants,” commented Barry Biffle, president and CEO. “During the fourth quarter, we increased our capacity, departures, fuel efficiency and level of ancillary revenue per passenger versus the comparable pre-COVID period. We continue to view the impact of COVID-19 as transient, and remain focused on getting the airline back to full utilization in 2022 while being nimble to counter any further COVID-19 impacts. I want to thank Team Frontier for providing safe and dependable travel to our valued customers, all while fulfilling our ‘Low Fares Done Right’ commitment.”

The following is a summary of the fourth quarter and full year 2021 select financial results, including both GAAP and adjusted (Non-GAAP) metrics.

Frontier Airlines Recounts Remarkable 2021 Growth Story

 14 Efficient Airbus Aircraft Joined the Fleet

 670+ Flight Attendants and 170+ Pilots Hired

 132 Routes, 21 Destinations and 9 New Countries Added

 New Order for 91 Airbus A321neo Aircraft, Tripling Frontier’s Size by 2029

Frontier Airlines the U.S. budget carrier is reflecting on 2021 as an extraordinary year of growth for the 27-year-old Denver-based airline, which completed an initial public offering and became publicly traded on April 1.

Throughout 2021, Frontier added another 14 A320 family aircraft to its ultra-fuel-efficient all-Airbus fleet, furthering the company’s commitment to more sustainable flying. Frontier also expanded its ‘Low Fares Done Right’ route map by 132 routes, 21 destinations and nine countries.

“The Frontier team showed outstanding resilience and determination this year to accomplish unprecedented results,” said Barry Biffle, president and CEO, Frontier Airlines. “From becoming a publicly-traded company in April to adding more than 130 routes and nearly ten international destinations to Frontier’s route network, and ordering 91 new Airbus A321neo aircraft, we’ve demonstrated the incredible growth our ‘Low Fares Done Right’ business model is capable of. As we look forward to 2022, we’re excited to continue this momentum with new, greener, aircraft joining our fleet, and many more exciting new route opportunities for our customers.”

Frontier strengthened its position as America’s Greenest Airline in 2021 through the announcement of multiple strategic agreements, including a deal with manufacturer Pratt & Whitney for ultra-efficient GTF engines to power 134 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, the launch of 30% lighter Recaro seats onboard new aircraft, and a 91-aircraft order of Airbus’ A321neo, featuring advanced fuel-saving technology and industry-leading operating economics. These new partnerships, and the order for additional aircraft to satisfy Frontier’s growing network needs, put the airline on the path to triple in size by 2029.

To meet the demand of its widening network, the airline welcomed more than 670 flight new attendants and 170 pilots to the Frontier team in 2021 and continues to hire for additional crew member positions. Moreover, Frontier added bases in Tampa and Atlanta this year, extending the company’s local economic benefit with new jobs and more attractive base options for team members.

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Massive Airbus order for Indigo Partners portfolio of airlines - 255 A321neo family aircraft

Indigo Partners, the private equity fund focused on worldwide investments in air transportation and based in Phoenix, Arizona has confirmed a massive order for its airlines from European planemaker Airbus.

Jointly, the airlines will order an additional 255 Airbus A321neo family of aircraft in a special deal that was inked at the Dubai Airshow. With this new commitment,  the total number of aircraft ordered by the Indigo Partners’ airlines will climb to 1,145.

Wizz Air: 102 aircraft (75 A321neo + 27 A321XLR)

Frontier: 91 aircraft (A321neo)

Volaris: 39 aircraft (A321neo)

JetSMART: 23 aircraft (21 A321neo + 2 A321XLR)

In addition to this order, Volaris and JetSMART will upconvert 38 A320neo to A321neo from their existing aircraft backlogs.

“This order reaffirms our portfolio airlines’ commitment to consistent growth through the next decade. The Airbus A321neo and A321XLR have industry-leading efficiency, low unit costs and a substantially reduced carbon footprint relative to prior models. With these aircraft, Wizz, Frontier, Volaris and JetSMART will continue to offer low fares, stimulate the markets they serve and improve their industry-leading sustainability profile,” said Bill Franke, Managing Partner of Indigo Partners.

“We are happy to further expand our relationship with our great Indigo Partners’ airlines Wizz, Frontier, Volaris and JetSMART who have acted fast and decisively over the last few months to position themselves for this landmark order as the effect of the pandemic recedes and the world wants more sustainable flying,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.

The A321neo incorporates new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver more than 25 percent fuel and CO 2 savings, as well as a 50 percent noise reduction. The A321XLR version provides a further range extension to 4,700nm. This gives the A321XLR a flight time of up to 11 hours, with passengers benefitting throughout the trip from Airbus’ award-winning Airspace interior, which brings the latest cabin technology to the A320 Family.

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Frontier Airlines selects Skywise Health Monitoring as future fleet performance tool

Long standing Airbus customer Frontier Airlines has become the latest North American operator to adopt Skywise Health Monitoring as its key future fleet performance tool under a five-year contract covering 111 single-aisle aircraft.

Frontier Airlines has become the latest North American operator to adopt Skywise Health Monitoring as its key future fleet performance tool under a five-year contract covering 111 single-aisle aircraft.

Launched in 2019, Skywise Health Monitoring (SHM) gathers live diagnostic feeds from the aircraft through its ACARS* link to the airline’s information system.

Frontier will use the solution for its A320 Family fleet. Airbus’ SHM will support the airline’s maintenance and engineering teams by enabling real-time management of aircraft events and troubleshooting. This will help the airline in identifying, prioritising, analysing and handling in-service events, enabling quicker decision-making and minimising AOG risks.

Using the power of the Skywise aviation data platform, SHM collates and centralises the alerts, flight-deck effects, maintenance messages etc., prioritises them, correlates any faults with the relevant troubleshooting procedures, highlights operational impacts, provides the maintenance history of the system (from the logbook and MIS** information collected through Skywise Core and stored in the data lake), allowing effective tracking of the alerts.

Overall, SHM saves airlines time and decreases the cost of unscheduled maintenance. Natively interfaced with Skywise Predictive Maintenance (SPM) and Skywise Reliability (SR) to provide an integrated user experience, and also ready to harness the new on-board Flight Operations and Maintenance Exchanger (“FOMAX”) data router which can capture over 20,000 real-time aircraft parameters, SHM enables end-to-end unscheduled event management/fixes, for example by anticipating tools and parts’ availability closest to the aircraft.

*ACARS (Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System)

**MIS (Maintenance Information System)

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Frontier Airlines Reports Financial Results for the Second Quarter of 2021

Frontier Group Holdings, Inc., parent company of Frontier Airlines, Inc. reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2021, this week.

Frontier experienced strengthening demand for leisure travel during the second quarter, with capacity, as measured by ASMs, exceeding the levels achieved in the comparable pre-COVID quarter in 2019. The Company was profitable on a GAAP basis and ended the quarter with $936 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, the highest cash balance in the Company’s history. Frontier is focused on positioning the airline to be an industry leader in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and during the quarter returned all of its aircraft and employees into service across all of its stations.

Frontier had 109 aircraft at the end of the quarter, 11 percent higher than the corresponding prior-year period. The airline is expected to take delivery of five additional A320neo aircraft in the third quarter of 2021 with no aircraft expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter. Frontier opened 15 new stations during the second quarter of 2021 and operated over 400 flights per day during the quarter, which was 10 percent higher than the comparable pre-COVID quarter in 2019. While restoring the operation to pre-pandemic levels, Frontier remained financially disciplined, with the business ending the quarter in a very strong liquidity position.

"I am extremely proud of our Frontier team for all of their hard work, dedication and professionalism with our customers through the pandemic and their commitment to our mission of Low Fares Done Right," said Barry Biffle, Frontier's president and CEO. “During the quarter, as the recovery in leisure travel progressed, our capacity exceeded the comparable pre-COVID quarter and we leveraged our financial discipline and relative cost advantage to be profitable on a GAAP basis. Our focus on leisure travel, along with the strength and resilience of our business model and available liquidity, positions us to continue to be an industry leader in the recovery.”

Ofelia Kumpf joins Frontier Group's board.

Frontier Group Holdings, has announced the appointment of Ofelia Kumpf to the company’s Board of Directors.

“We are delighted to have Ms Kumpf join the Frontier Board of Directors,” said William A. Franke, chairman of Frontier Group Holdings, Inc. “Her experience and demonstrated professional leadership, strategic planning and customer-centric growth strategies, make her an excellent addition to our Board. Ms Kumpf also brings significant non-profit board expertise to her new role.”

Ms Kumpf is currently Field Vice President, Long Beach Field Office for McDonald’s USA, LLC. Prior to that she served as Vice President and General Manager, Southern California Region for McDonald’s and has held a variety of other leadership positions with that company since joining in 1992. Ms Kumpf currently serves on the boards of trustees of Southern California Public Radio and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California. She previously served on the board of directors of the Latino Donor Collaborative. Ms Kumpf holds a B.S. from the University of Phoenix and an M.B.A. from the University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business.

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Ted, the Sea Turtle, Wins the Frontier Airlines and Visit Orlando Plane Tail Contest

The competition was fierce among the four animal contestants vying to be featured on a Frontier Airlines plane tail: Central Florida Zoo’s Ella, the Florida black bear, Gatorland’s Larry, the American alligator, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium’s Ted, the loggerhead sea turtle, and Wild Florida’s Flurry, the albino hatchling alligator. In the end, slow and steady Ted, the sea turtle, garnered the most votes and will be featured on a new Frontier Airlines aircraft tail.

The contest was designed to promote visitation to the Orlando region and highlight some of Florida’s iconic animal species and conservation efforts. Each facility that participated provides visitors the opportunity to view amazing Florida wildlife and learn about programs designed to protect them. Consumers who voted during the promotion were entered into a drawing to win free flights on Frontier, which operates more nonstops from Orlando than any other airline.

Frontier Airlines Reports Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2021

Frontier Group Holdings, Inc., parent company of Frontier Airlines, reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2021.

During the quarter, Frontier experienced a strong rebound in demand as leisure travel strengthened ahead of spring break and Easter, leading the Company to be cash positive1 in March. The Company ended the first quarter of 2021 with $853 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and liquidity available under its Treasury Loan facility. On March 31, 2021, Frontier priced an initial public offering, which closed shortly after the end of the quarter. The IPO generated $271 million of net proceeds to Frontier before an estimated $6 million in offering expenses.

“This is our first quarter reporting as a public company and we couldn’t be more pleased with what we are seeing relative to the recovery in leisure travel,” said Barry Biffle, Frontier’s president and CEO. “We believe our relative cost advantage driven by financial discipline coupled with our focus on leisure travel positions us well to be among the airline industry leaders as demand for leisure travel continues to rebound. In addition, we diligently limited the amount of debt added to our balance sheet while maintaining a strong liquidity position.” Biffle added, “We are well poised to take advantage of the recovery and expect to return to profitability in the second half of 2021.”

America's Greenest Airline is About to Get Even Greener

New 30% lighter seats will result in added fuel savings equivalent to the elimination of 1.1 billion plastic bags

The US budget carrier Frontier Airlines has unveiled details of its latest action to reduce the company’s environmental footprint with a new aircraft seat design that will feature a 30 percent weight reduction over existing seats. The seats are the latest measure in a variety of other innovative fuel savings initiatives from America’s Greenest Airline. The new seats will also offer extra comfort and larger tray tables versus earlier designs.

The new seats will be featured on 156 Airbus aircraft currently on order and scheduled for delivery beginning in March 2021. The seats are part of a major deal between Recaro Aircraft Seating, part of Germany’s world-renowned seat design and manufacturing company Recaro Group, and Indigo Partners, which owns a portfolio of airlines including Frontier.

Frontier Airlines Announces 19 Nonstop Routes and 3 New Destinations

New Service Includes Coast-to-Coast Nonstop Flights from Ontario, Convenient Hops Between West Coast Destinations and Caribbean Island Getaways from Orlando

Low-fare carrier Frontier Airlines today announces 19 nonstop routes and three new destinations: Cozumel, Mexico; Oakland, California; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. The announcement includes new coast-to-coast routes from the convenience of Southern California’s Ontario International Airport (ONT), nonstop flights between popular west coast destinations and seven new routes from Orlando. To celebrate this new service, Frontier is offering fares as low as $19*, which are available now at FlyFrontier.com.

“We’re excited to expand our network with these 19 new routes and bring our brand of friendly service and low fares to three great new destinations,” said Daniel Shurz, senior vice president of commercial, Frontier Airlines. “Frontier is committed to protecting the health and safety of our customers on every flight and this new service will adhere to Frontier’s highest health standards, including enhanced cleaning, temperature screenings for all passengers and required mask wearing.”

Looking for a job? Fancy fixing prices? Frontier may be the way to go.

Join the Frontier Airlines Team as our Director of Pricing

Frontier Airlines, is one of the most profitable low-cost U.S. airlines, operating a relatively young fleet of aircraft with the vibrant and often enchanting animal tails.

Right now,  the airline is looking for a Director of Pricing to join its leadership team.  Would you like to be a key driver of the company’s success?  Do you thrive in an environment where you get to quickly drive innovative pricing solutions that provide value for the customer while directly contributing to the company’s top line revenues?  If so, then read on and learn more about this exciting opportunity. 

CDB Aviation Leases Three A320neos to Frontier Airlines

Deliveries Encompass Addition of Frontier’s 100th A320 Family Aircraft

CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Limited (“CDB Leasing”), announced the company commenced this week the deliveries of three Airbus A320neos to new customer, Denver-based low fare carrier Frontier Airlines (“Frontier”) as part of a sale-and-leaseback transaction.

The LEAP-1A engine-powered aircraft, delivering from Airbus’ A320 Family jetliner final assembly line in Mobile, Alabama, are bound for an immediate entry into passenger service on U.S. domestic routes.

“We are thrilled to have Frontier join our growing customer family,” emphasized Luís da Silva, CDB Aviation Head of Commercial, Americas, adding that “we look forward to a sustainable, long-term relationship, which we hope to further grow in the future.”

Frontier Airlines to capitalize on passengers fears with a guaranteed middle seat free fee

Photo Frontier

Frontier Airlines is all set to make a quick buck on the back of passengers worries and fears over contracting the coronavirus onboard its flights.

The US budget carrier will introduce a ‘More Room’ seat assignment, which will allow customers to book a seat which has the one next to it unoccupied for a fee starting at $39 per flight.

The option is said to complement the airline’s mandatory face-covering requirement for all passengers and flight crews and is available on Frontier’s website, FlyFrontier.com or at check-in, subject to availability.

Frontier Airlines require customers to wear face coverings from 8th May

Frontier Airlines require customers to wear face coverings from 8th May

The US budget carrier will require all passengers to wear a face-covering over their nose and mouth at the airline’s ticket counters, gate areas and onboard from May 8th, 2020. 

“We want our passengers to feel comfortable when flying with us by protecting themselves and their fellow travellers as we all navigate the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Barry Biffle, CEO of Frontier Airlines. “This new measure is aligned with CDC recommendations and those of many municipalities within the U.S. that include wearing a face covering when out in public.”

In addition to the face-covering requirement, earlier this month Frontier implemented an order that passengers have to agree to before they are allowed to fly:  

Neither they nor anyone in their household has exhibited Covid-19 related symptoms in the last 14 daysThey will check their temperature before heading to the airport and not travel if they have a feverThey will wash their hands/sanitize before boarding the flightInformation on the airline’s face covering policy will be added to the health acknowledgement

Frontier to quadruple its Miami flight schedule this fall

The US low-cost carrier Frontier announced this week that in November it will expand its schedule at Miami International Airport by a total of 28 weekly flights and six additional routes, bringing its total weekly departures to 57. 

Its new Miami schedule will include three weekly flights to Hartford/Springfield and three weekly flights to San Juan beginning November 14, in addition to four weekly flights to Boston starting November 15 – three first-time routes by Frontier from MIA. Frontier will also launch four daily flights to Detroit starting November 15, as well as bring back daily service to New York LaGuardia and Chicago O’Hare on November 14.

The news comes on the heels of last month’s announcement that Frontier will begin daily service from MIA to Las Vegas on September 10, followed by four weekly flights to both Cincinnati and Cleveland on October 10.