Frontier Airlines is embarking on another network expansion. The airline announced plans to add three new cities from Myrtle Beach, a new Caribbean destination from Miami. Finally, the airline will add an entirely new destination: Rochester, New York. These new routes are consistent with Frontier’s method of leisure-oriented expansion.
Frontier announces five new routes
The big winner in Frontier’s latest round of network expansion is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, which is getting three new nonstop routes starting this summer. From Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), Frontier will fly to the following cities:
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) two times per week from June 11th
- Portland International Jetport (PWM) once per week from June 12th
- T.F. Green Airport (PVD) in Providence two times per week from June 10th
Meanwhile, Frontier Airlines is growing its Caribbean portfolio out of Miami International Airport (MIA). Turning its attention to Jamaica, Frontier will fly three times per week to Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay. This route will start on May 28th.
Finally, Frontier is adding a brand new city to its route map. The airline will start flying from Frederick Douglass – Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) to Orlando International Airport (MCO). Starting on May 20th, Frontier will connect Rochester, New York, to Orlando three times per week.
A pattern of leisure growth
Leisure-oriented growth is at the top of Frontier’s mind. These new routes come just a day after Frontier announced expansion out of Atlanta and Philadelphia. As summer 2021 fast approaches and higher TSA passenger numbers provide some evidence of the potential for a domestic summer surge, Frontier wants to up its capacity and connect as many new points as it viably can.
Myrtle Beach is getting a host of new air services this summer. Southwest Airlines is coming to the city in a big way. Myrtle Beach is a popular low-cost leisure tourist destination. The city is home to large stretches of beaches and golf courses, along with hosting plenty of restaurants.
With over 100 championship golf courses, 60 miles of beach, and 14 unique communities, Myrtle Beach is a one-of-a-kind vacation! To learn more about the unique communities that make up the Grand Strand, check out our blog “Welcome to Myrtle Beach”: https://t.co/RacVTYeqTv pic.twitter.com/ICXQUd2W6M
— Visit Myrtle Beach (@MyMyrtleBeach) March 30, 2021
As such, MYR is a large base for Spirit Airlines. Allegiant Air also comes in with seasonal service to several destinations in the US, and the major US airlines also provide service to the city. With Southwest coming in, some of those dynamics will shift around. Frontier will also increase its slice in the city.
Rochester, New York, is an excellent spot for growth for Frontier. It is a populated city where air service in the past few years has been slightly limited, including during the pandemic. So, Frontier has a chance to hop in and come in with a relatively low-risk route. If demand grows and Frontier’s flights are going out full, then the airline could use some of its new jets to expand its flights out of Rochester.
About Frontier Airlines
Frontier is an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) based in Denver. Its model is focused on point-to-point flying with selling passengers unbundled fares. This means things like seat selection, bags, and inflight food and beverages come at a cost.
Frontier is coming off of a successful IPO that raised the airline well over $200 million after deducting costs of the IPO and the sale of shares that belonged to existing pre-IPO stakeholders. Nevertheless, this sum should help Frontier Airlines expand, pay off its debt, or shore up its liquidity with the future still uncertain.
Frontier Airlines is expected to be one of the carriers that will benefit the most from the summer surge. Domestic leisure travelers are coming back strong and tend to prefer low-cost vacations. As Frontier continues to expand its low-frequency, point-to-point route portfolio, the airline is positioning itself well to where passengers want to go this summer.
Are you going to fly any of these new Frontier routes? Do you think Frontier’s expansion is a good idea? Let us know in the comments!
