Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a public airport 3 miles east of downtown Phoenix, in Maricopa County. | Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport/Facebook
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a public airport 3 miles east of downtown Phoenix, in Maricopa County. | Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport/Facebook
Frontier Airlines has announced that it will launch new service from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to 10 different destinations nonstop, beginning in November and January.
According to Frontier Airlines, the new routes include Philadelphia; Baltimore-Washington; Orange County, California; Seattle; Minneapolis-Saint Paul; Portland, Oregon; Fort Lauderdale; Nashville; Indianapolis and Kansas City. The additional routes will give Frontier 22 destinations from Phoenix. To prepare for this, Frontier will open a new crew base in November, which will employ up to 180 pilots and 275 flight attendants.
“Frontier Airlines is quickly advancing in Phoenix, and these 10 new routes mark the growth of business and leisure travelers choosing our great city as a destination," Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said, according to Frontier's website.“We are grateful for the commitment that Frontier has made with its crew base and the employment opportunities it provides. More people will discover why Phoenix is a great vacation destination, business hub and place to call home.”
Barry Biffle, president and CEO of Frontier Airlines, said the expansion is going to be crucial to both Sky Harbor and Frontier.
“This major expansion of service from PHX solidifies Frontier’s place as one of Phoenix’s largest airlines,” Biffle said, according to Frontier's website. “We’re thrilled to offer these new routes serving some of the most popular destinations in America. Our commitment to future growth at PHX is strong as we prepare to open our new crew base in November and introduce this expanded array of convenient, affordable flight options for Phoenix-area consumers.”
City Councilwoman Ann O’Brien praised the move and the additional choices it gives travelers.
“Frontier’s commitment to both building a crew base and adding new routes demonstrates the strength of the Phoenix market,” she said, according to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. “The addition of these routes will allow Phoenicians more options when it comes to air travel.”
Councilman Sal DiCiccio said the economic impact of the addition could be significant.
“This is exciting news and provides even more options for passengers traveling to and from Phoenix, and also comes just in time for the holiday travel season,” he told Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport's website. “Additionally, Frontier Airlines' commitment to expand its operation here in the Valley means more jobs and economic growth.”
Councilman Carlos Garcia also praised the new routes for the benefits of all involved.
“The addition of these new flights by Frontier is a win for our residents in multiple ways: they win when there are more choices to get where they want to go, making it easier to connect with family and friends; they win because more flights means more competition and better prices on travel; and they win when we add well-paying jobs right here in our community,” he said, according to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.