PHX Reporter

Frontier Airlines has opened a new crew base at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, allowing it to provide new, nonstop service from Phoenix to six destinations.

“Opening this new crew base is a clear indication of our commitment to continued growth in Phoenix,” Jake Filene, Frontier Airlines' senior vice president of customers, said in a release from the city. "A thriving and expanding airport is vital to the city’s economic advancement and we are thrilled to be part of that trajectory both as a service provider and major wage contributor.”

In its first year, the base will employ up to 180 pilots and 275 flight attendants, the company estimates. Frontier is also ready to begin nonstop service to Philadelphia, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Cincinnati, Detroit, Orange County, Calif., and Portland, Ore., the company said.

“Now more than ever, consumers appreciate the value offered by our ultra-low cost business model," Filene said. "We look forward to bringing even more ‘Low Fares Done Right’ to Phoenix-area consumers as we deliver upon our mission to provide affordable travel across America and beyond.”

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego also expressed her support for the move.

“I am excited to welcome Frontier Airlines’ new crew base members and share the vibrant quality of life Phoenix has to offer them!” Gallego said in the release. “I am pleased to see this particular airline continuing to expand services out of Phoenix. 

"Frontier’s work to set a new greener standard for travel is parallel to the City of Phoenix Aviation Department’s decades-long commitment to sustainability," Gallego added. "We are proud of partners like Frontier that not only foster economic growth for our city but are also dedicated to lessening their environmental impact.”