Frontier Airlines to Launch 11 New Routes This Fall
Frontier Airlines, a leading U.S. ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), is set to launch 11 new routes in October and November 2024. This expansion reflects a strategic shift towards shorter, more frequent flights, mirroring the recent trend of decreasing stage lengths in the airline’s operations.
New Routes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Three of the newly announced routes will originate from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), one of the busiest airports in the world and a major hub for Delta Air Lines. Frontier’s new services include:
- Atlanta (ATL) to Newark, New Jersey (EWR) – Starting on November 4, 2024, Frontier will operate daily flights between ATL and Newark Liberty International Airport. This route connects two major hubs, strengthening Frontier’s presence on the East Coast.
- Atlanta (ATL) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – Beginning on November 14, 2024, daily flights will commence between ATL and Washington Dulles. This route links two key metropolitan areas, enhancing travel options for both business and leisure travelers.
- Atlanta (ATL) to Austin, Texas (AUS) – From October 11, 2024, Frontier will launch a three-times-weekly service connecting ATL with Austin, Texas, a rapidly growing city with a vibrant tech scene.
Expanding in Southern California: Hollywood Burbank Airport
Frontier is also bolstering its presence in Southern California with three new routes from Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR):
- Burbank (BUR) to Phoenix (PHX) – Starting November 21, 2024, Frontier will introduce four-times-weekly flights between BUR and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. This route connects two popular destinations in the Southwest.
- Burbank (BUR) to San Francisco (SFO) – Also beginning on November 21, 2024, daily service will launch between BUR and San Francisco International Airport, catering to both business and leisure travelers.
- Burbank (BUR) to Denver (DEN) – From November 22, 2024, Frontier will commence a three-times-weekly service from BUR to its base in Denver, Colorado.
Strengthening East Coast Operations: New York JFK and Washington Dulles
In addition to the new routes from ATL, Frontier is expanding its operations on the East Coast:
- New York JFK to Orlando (MCO) and Tampa (TPA) – Starting October 27, 2024, Frontier will offer two daily flights from New York John F. Kennedy International Airport to popular Florida destinations Orlando and Tampa. These routes are poised to capture the strong demand for travel between the Northeast and Florida.
- Washington Dulles (IAD) to Orlando (MCO) – From November 14, 2024, the airline will begin a four-times-weekly service between Washington Dulles and Orlando.
Additional New Routes
Frontier’s fall expansion also includes:
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (CVG) to Sarasota, Florida (SRQ) – A once-weekly service starting on October 12, 2024.
- Salt Lake City (SLC) to Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) – A three-times-weekly service beginning on October 11, 2024.
Strategic Shift Amidst Industry Challenges
These new routes come as Frontier adjusts to changing market dynamics. In its recent U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing, the airline noted a 13% decrease in average stage length to 899 miles in the second quarter of 2024, down from 1,038 miles the previous year. This shift is partly in response to weaker domestic pricing and an overabundance of capacity in new markets, which led to lower load factors.
To counteract these challenges, Frontier is implementing a new tiered product model under the tagline “The New Frontier,” which includes the “UpFront Plus” offering. This product guarantees passengers an aisle or window seat in the first two rows, with the middle seat unoccupied, aiming to enhance the passenger experience and drive additional revenue.
With these new routes and strategic changes, Frontier Airlines is positioning itself to capture more market share and adapt to the evolving demands of air travel in the United States.