Frontier may not be a very big airline—yet—but it has big dreams. The Denver-based ultra-low-cost carrier wants to double in size over the next five years, starting with a move that adds 25 new routes in 2020.
The ambitions are matched by a big order for new planes it gave Airbus in 2017; some of those 134 planes are staring to show up now, and will fly some of the new routes. The plan includes a new base in Miami and more routes into the Caribbean and Latin America.
Overall, Frontier’s expansion plans will put it head to head not only with the full-price airline segment, but will increase competition with other ULCCs such as Spirit and Allegiant. While the overall effect of the competition may bring lower fares in some markets, Frontier is known for pulling out of a route if it isn’t making money, so this year’s plans may look different than next year’s route map.
Like Spirit, Frontier is an all-Airbus operation. It’s possible that if the 737 MAX issue continues even longer, it may boost Frontier’s chances against Southwest and others whose plans depend heavily on getting their MAXs back in the air and taking delivery on more.
