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| airline = Frontier Airlines
| airline = Frontier Airlines
| image = Frontier airlines logo14.png
| image = Frontier airlines logo14.png
| IATA = F9<ref>{{cite book |title=Foundations of Airline Finance: Methodology and Practice |isbn=9781317802495 |oclc=895660773 |page=137 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FVRWBQAAQBAJ |via=Google Books |publisher=Routledge |year=2014 |first=Bijan |last=Vasigh |first2=Kenneth |last2=Fleming |first3=Barry |last3=Humphreys
| IATA = F9<ref>{{cite book |title=Foundations of Airline Finance: Methodology and Practice |isbn=9781317802495 |oclc=895660773 |page=137 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FVRWBQAAQBAJ |via=Google Books |publisher=Routledge |year=2014 |first=Bijan |last=Vasigh |first2=Kenneth |last2=Fleming |first3=Barry |last3=Humphreys}}</ref>
|first4=Blake |last4=Jordan-Borns}}</ref>
| ICAO = FFT<ref name="callsigns" />
| ICAO = FFT<ref name="callsigns" />
| callsign = FRONTIER FLIGHT<ref name="callsigns">{{cite web |url=https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/7340.2H_Bsc_dtd_3-29-18.pdf |title=ORDER JO 7340.2H Contractions |date=29 March 2018 |last=Kurywchak |first=Sharon |website=faa.gov |access-date=2018-05-01 |page=3-1-46 }}</ref>
| callsign = FRONTIER FLIGHT<ref name="callsigns">{{cite web |url=https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/7340.2H_Bsc_dtd_3-29-18.pdf |title=ORDER JO 7340.2H Contractions |date=29 March 2018 |last=Kurywchak |first=Sharon |website=faa.gov |access-date=2018-05-01 |page=3-1-46 }}</ref>

Revision as of 00:28, 1 November 2018

This article is about the company founded in 1994. For the earlier (1950 to 1986) company, see Frontier Airlines (1950–1986). For the similarly named Alaskan airline, see Frontier Flying Service.
Frontier Airlines
IATA ICAO Call sign
F9[1] FFT[2] FRONTIER FLIGHT[2]
FoundedFebruary 8, 1994
Commenced operationsJuly 5, 1994[3]
Hubs
Focus cities
Frequent-flyer programFRONTIER Miles
Fleet size80[13]
Destinations97 (as of October 24, 2018)
Parent companyIndigo Partners
Headquarters Denver, Colorado[14]
Key people
Revenue
  • Increase US$1.858 billion (2017)[15]
  • Decrease US$1.683 billion (2016)[15]
Operating income
  • Decrease US$260 million (2017)[15]
  • Increase US$311 million (2016)[15]
Net income
  • Decrease US$169 million (2017)[15]
  • (?) US$189 million (2016)[15]
Websitewww.flyfrontier.com

Frontier Airlines is an American ultra low cost carrier headquartered in Denver, Colorado. The eighth-largest commercial airline in the US, Frontier Airlines operates flights to over 80 destinations throughout the United States and six international destinations, and employs more than 3,000 air-travel professionals[17]. The carrier is a subsidiary and operating brand of Indigo Partners, LLC, and maintains a hub at Denver International Airport with numerous focus cities across the US. In August 2018, Frontier began connecting passengers with Mexican low-cost carrier Volaris under a codeshare agreement.[18]

History

A Frontier Boeing 737-300. Frontier retired its last 737 in 2005.
"Stan" the Ram (N942FR) Airbus A319

1990s

Frontier Airlines was incorporated on February 8, 1994, by a group that included executives of the original incarnation of Frontier Airlines in response to the void left by Continental Airlines' 1993 shutdown of its Denver (Stapleton) hub.[19] Scheduled flights began five months later in July 1994 using Boeing 737-200 jetliners on routes between Denver and four destinations in North Dakota: Bismarck, Minot, Fargo and Grand Forks. By January 1995, Frontier had expanded its route network from Denver and was serving Albuquerque, New Mexico; Billings, Montana; Bismarck, N.D.; Bozeman, Montana; El Paso, Texas; Fargo, N.D.; Great Falls, Montana; Las Vegas, Nevada; Missoula, Montana; Omaha, Nebraska; and Tucson, Arizona with 737's.[20] Like the original airline of the same name, the new Frontier operated a hub at Denver (DEN) and for the first nine years used the slogan "The Spirit of the West" which was displayed above the windows and just behind the cursive letters "Frontier" on the fuselage of their aircraft. In 1999, Frontier signed agreements to begin purchasing and leasing Airbus A318 and A319 jet aircraft and had also added Boeing 737-300 jetliners to its fleet as well. Also by September 1999, the airline was serving destinations from coast to coast in the U.S., having expanded its route network to include Atlanta (ATL); Baltimore (BWI); Bloomington/Normal, Illinois (BMI); Boston (BOS); Chicago (MDW, Midway Airport); Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW); Phoenix (PHX); Los Angeles (LAX); Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP); New York City (LGA, LaGuardia Airport); Orlando (MCO); Portland, Oregon (PDX); Salt Lake City (SLC); San Diego (SAN); San Francisco (SFO); and Seattle (SEA), all served from its Denver hub.[21]

2000s

Frontier took delivery of its first Airbus aircraft (an A319) in 2001 and simultaneously launched with it DirecTV in-flight television along with a new company livery. Frontier Airlines was the launch customer[22] of the Airbus A318 in 2003. In mid-April 2005, Frontier officially became an all-Airbus fleet, retiring its last Boeing 737.[citation needed]

As part of its plan to stay competitive in reaction to the entry of Southwest Airlines into Denver, the company underwent a reorganization early in 2006. On April 3, 2006, Frontier created Frontier Airlines Holdings (FRNT), a holding company incorporated in Delaware to take advantage of favorable tax laws in that state. The corporate headquarters did not leave Colorado.[23]

On January 11, 2007, Frontier Airlines signed an 11-year service agreement with Republic Airlines. Under the agreement, Republic was to operate 17, 76-seat Embraer 170 aircraft for the former Frontier JetExpress operations. At the time the contract was canceled in April 2008, Republic Airlines operated 11 aircraft for Frontier Airlines, with the remaining six aircraft expected to join the fleet by December 2008. With the integration of Republic aircraft, the 'JetExpress' denotation was removed. Subsequent to the cessation of Horizon's services for Frontier in December 2007, all flights operated by Republic were sold and marketed as "Frontier Airlines, operated by Republic Airlines." The first market created specifically for the Embraer 170 was Louisville, Kentucky, which began on April 1, 2007. Service to Louisville was suspended in August 2008 but restarted in April 2010.[citation needed]

On January 24, 2007, Frontier was designated as a major carrier by the United States Department of Transportation.[24]

Flights operated by Republic Airlines offered in-flight snack and beverage services similar to Frontier's mainline flights. Unlike Frontier's aircraft and due to the nature of contracting with regional carriers, these Embraer 170 aircraft were not fitted with LiveTV.[citation needed]

Bankruptcy and acquisition by Republic

On April 10, 2008, Frontier filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in reaction to the intent of its credit card processor, First Data, to withhold significant proceeds from ticket sales.[25][better source needed] First Data decided that it would withhold 100% of the carrier's proceeds from ticket sales beginning May 1.[26] According to Frontier's press release, "This change in practice would have represented a material change to our cash forecasts and business plan. Unchecked, it would have put severe restraints on Frontier's liquidity..." Its operation continued uninterrupted, though, as Chapter 11 bankruptcy protected the corporation's assets and allowed restructuring to ensure long-term viability.[citation needed] After months of losses, Frontier Airlines reported that they made their first profit during the month of November 2008, reporting US$2.9 million in net income for the month.[27]

On June 22, 2009, Frontier Airlines announced that pending bankruptcy court approval, Republic Airways Holdings, the Indianapolis-based parent company of Republic Airlines, would acquire all assets of Frontier Airlines for the amount of $108 million. Thus, Frontier Airlines would become a wholly owned subsidiary of Republic.[28] However, 5 weeks later on July 30, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines announced that it would be making a competing bid of $113.6 million for Frontier with intentions to also operate Frontier as a wholly owned subsidiary, but that it would gradually fold Frontier resources into current Southwest operating assets.[citation needed]

During a bankruptcy auction on August 13, 2009, Republic Airways Holdings acquired Frontier Airlines and its regional airline, Lynx Aviation, as wholly owned subsidiaries.[29] Republic completed the transaction on October 1, 2009, and Frontier officially exited bankruptcy as a new airline.[30]

In late 2009 Republic began to consolidate administrative positions and moved 140 jobs from the Frontier Airlines Denver headquarters to Indianapolis, Indiana.[31] Shortly after that, in January 2010, Republic Airways announced that it would move all of its executives to Indianapolis.[32] In February the Denver Business Journal stated that the headquarters would be moved "soon".[33] Despite this, according to the Denver Business Journal, Frontier Airlines will still maintain a local headquarters in Denver to house Training, Marketing, Customer Reservations, and Scheduling & Planning teams after extending its lease on the building through 2020.[citation needed]

In 2010, Frontier's then-CEO Bryan Bedford took part in the TV show Undercover Boss.[34]

Merger with Midwest Airlines

As Republic Airways Holdings was in the process of bidding to acquire Frontier in 2009, it was also in the process of acquiring Milwaukee-based Midwest Airlines. Through the fall and winter of 2009, Republic operated its two new acquisitions as separate brands. However, to improve efficiency by better matching aircraft capacity to route demand, Republic began to intermix the fleets of the two airlines, swapping a portion of its higher-capacity planes from Frontier with its smaller-capacity planes from Midwest and vice versa. However, the move caused some confusion amongst the public, as the two brands did not offer the same amenities and did not match the amenities mentioned on the airfare. As a result, in the Spring of 2010, Frontier and Midwest Airlines announced that their brands would merge, with Frontier being the surviving brand.[35] This was a merger of brands only—no Midwest Airlines aircraft was ever operated by Frontier, as by this time, all Midwest Airlines flights were operated on its behalf by other Republic Airways Holdings subsidiaries.[citation needed]

On April 13, 2011, Frontier formed a new subsidiary, Frontier Express, that was planned to operate the airline's smaller aircraft with different services than those available on full-size aircraft.[36]

2010s

Closing Milwaukee hub

After merging with Midwest Airlines, Frontier cut 11 out of its 18 flights leaving a total of just 7 from Milwaukee's MKE to Denver, Orlando, Rhinelander and Washington-National.[37] At its peak, Frontier operated around 100+ flights from Milwaukee daily.[citation needed]

On September 9, 2011, Frontier notified the public of a 40% reduction of arriving and departing flights from MKE. Along with this reduction of flights, the company laid off approximately 140 employees from the MKE station. This includes but is not limited to: maintenance, grooming services, flight-line and gate.[38]

In February 2012, Frontier Airlines cut five nonstop routes from Milwaukee. This move "reduced Frontier's daily departing flights out of Mitchell International from 32 to 18," or 56%. Frontier announced further layoffs in conjunction with this route change: up to 446 Milwaukee-area employees were affected by the job cuts that occurred between April 15 and April 30, 2012.[39]

Republic Airways spinoff of Frontier

In an effort to focus on regional contract flights for major carriers, Republic Airways Holdings announced in January 2012 its intention to sell or spin off Frontier.[40][41] On January 26, 2012, Republic Airways Holdings appointed former US Airways and Gate Gourmet CEO David Siegel as President and CEO of Frontier Airlines. Republic also added new senior officers for Frontier’s finance and commercial team, among other changes in the executive leadership team. Siegel and other Frontier executives moved to Denver where Frontier is headquartered in order to facilitate management of all aspects of Frontier during its separation process from Republic and continue its transformation into an ultra-low-cost carrier.[14]

Trenton and Wilmington bases

In November 2012, Frontier started low-frequency service between Orlando International Airport and Trenton–Mercer Airport near Trenton, New Jersey,[42] which, at the time, had no commercial service. Frontier later expanded service several times from Trenton, and as of June 2016 services 11 destinations. Frontier currently bases three aircraft in Trenton.[citation needed] Trenton Mercer Airport lies roughly equidistant between Philadelphia International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.[citation needed]

In July 2013, Frontier started service from New Castle Airport near Wilmington, Delaware to five destinations,[43] which Frontier markets as Wilmington/Philadelphia. Again, this airport had no commercial service prior to Frontier's entry.[citation needed] New Castle Airport lies roughly 30 miles southwest of Philadelphia International Airport and 75 miles northeast of Baltimore–Washington International Airport.[citation needed]

Frontier marketed both the Trenton-Mercer and Wilmington-Philadelphia airports as low-cost, low-hassle alternatives to the existing nearby commercial airports.[citation needed] Frontier was the only commercial carrier at these two airports.[citation needed]

In June 2014, Frontier Airlines opened a crew base for flight attendants at Trenton–Mercer Airport.[44]

In January 2015, Frontier Airlines cut several flights from Wilmington and Trenton. It also resumed service to Philadelphia, casting doubt on the airline's existing bases.[45][46] In late June 2015, Frontier announced it had ceased service in Wilmington, stating it was not profitable.[47]

Acquisition by Indigo Partners

In October 2013, Republic Airways Holdings entered into an agreement with private equity firm Indigo Partners to sell Frontier Airlines for approximately $145 million. According to Indigo, the transaction would further Frontier’s evolution into an ultra-low-cost carrier.[40] In December 2013, Indigo Partners LLC, through an affiliate, completed the purchase of Frontier Airlines from Republic Airways Holdings. The airline's headquarters will remain in Denver.[48] Republic Airways Holdings subsidiary Republic Airlines no longer flies Embraer 190 aircraft on behalf of Frontier, as of January 1, 2014.

In 2014, Frontier announced it would be transitioning into an ultra-low cost carrier.[49] Frontier will also cut several flights and jobs at their Denver hub and transition them to different markets. On January 16, 2015 Frontier announced that it will close both its Denver and Milwaukee call centers, laying off 1,300 employees and outsourcing the jobs to call center company, Sitel, which operates a large call center for Frontier in Las Cruces, New Mexico.[50] As part of its transition to an ultra-low cost airline, Frontier Airlines joined Spirit and Allegiant in June 2015 in removing its toll-free telephone number for customer service.[51]

In May 2015, Indigo and Frontier announced the departure of David Siegel as CEO. He had already previously turned over the role of president to Barry Biffle, formerly of Spirit Airlines. Siegel was not immediately replaced. Instead, his duties were split between Biffle and Indigo chairman Bill Franke. Biffle cited operational issues in connection with Siegel's departure.[52]

Passenger seats

At 19″ wide, the middle seats in the airline's Airbus 321s, A320s, and A319s are wider than the window and aisle seats and, as of July 2015 when the airline began installing them, are the widest middle seats of any airline in the U.S.[53] The A321ceo and A321neo, utilized on longer flights, features industry-standard seat pitch of 30"-32".[54] The airline uses a seat pitch of only 28″-29", the tightest seat pitch of any airline in the United States, on their A320ceo and A320neo, typically operated on shorter flights. Frontier Airlines has 28"-31" on the Airbus A319, which they are phasing out.[55][56] Main cabin seats are "pre-reclined" by the airline[53] and there are no televisions mounted at any of the seats in order to save weight.

"Stretch" row seating, available for an additional fee or complimentary for Frontier Elite Program members, features an extra 5-8" pitch, full-reclining seat, lumbar support and diamond stitching.

Route system growth

In February 2015, Frontier announced that they will begin service to several destinations from Atlanta adding the airport as a focus city. In July, Frontier also began decreasing service from Washington Dulles International Airport removing the airport as a focus city. In early 2016 Frontier announced major route expansion from airports nationwide including Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Orlando, and Philadelphia.[57] In June 2016, Frontier re-established service to Port Columbus International Airport.[58] In May 2017, the airline announced opening a new crew base in Las Vegas in the fall 2017 to improve operational reliability and potentially create new jobs in Las Vegas.[59] In December 2017, Frontier began service to Buffalo, New York, with service to Denver, Colorado, and Florida, including Miami, Fort Myers, Orlando, and Tampa.[60]

Winter storm in 2016

In December 2016, a winter weather event disrupted fleet operations, causing Frontier to delay or cancel up to 70% of their flights during the peak of the crisis, many without any advance notice. On the weekend of December 17, the storm caused major delays at Frontier's Denver hub, and the effects of the storm were felt throughout the fleet.[61] Flights were delayed or canceled at airports across the country, as in some cases, planes were ready to depart, but there were no rested flight crews available to service the flight.[62] The head of Frontier's pilot's union issued a statement criticizing the companies' handling of the event, comparing the airline to a "house of cards".[63] Frontier received over 30,000 refund requests for canceled flights resulting from the event.[citation needed]

Management changes

Dave Siegel took the chief executive officer role in January 2012.[64] Siegel's tenure ran through May 2015, when he left for personal reasons and was succeeded by the company's chairman, Bill Franke, who would manage strategy and finances.[64] In April 2014, Barry L. Biffle was appointed as the company's president, reporting to Siegel;[65] after Siegel's departure, Biffle was charged with managing the company's day-to-day operations.[64]

Former Regional Carriers

Frontier Express Embraer ERJ-145 operated by Chautauqua

Frontier Express

Main article: Chautauqua Airlines

Chautauqua Airlines operated up to 12 Embraer 135 and 145 jets out of Milwaukee. Frontier began branding these flights as Frontier Express in the spring of 2011. With the pull-down of the Milwaukee hub, the only route that continued to operate with a Frontier Express ERJ-145 jet was Milwaukee to Rhinelander. However, Frontier service to Rhinelander ended on January 3, 2013, and Chautauqua transferred the remaining aircraft to other partners.

Frontier JetExpress

In February 2002, the airline launched its first regional product, Frontier JetExpress, initially operated by Mesa Airlines using CRJ-200 regional jets. Similar to "express" operations of other carriers, Frontier JetExpress was targeted for markets to and from Denver that do not generate traffic sufficient to support Frontier's smallest mainline jet, the Airbus A318, but could still offer lucrative business with a smaller jet.

The initial JetExpress partnership with Mesa ended in January 2004, when Horizon Air was selected to operate the routes. Horizon utilized slightly larger CRJ-700 regional jet aircraft on these routes. In August 2006, Frontier and Horizon ended their partnership.[66] While Frontier was generally pleased with Horizon's operation, the carrier decided that it needed to revisit the agreement and find a provider with additional regional jets to grow the operation. The last of the CRJ-700's was returned to the Horizon Air fleet on November 30, 2007.

Denver International Airport's Pedestrian Bridge, with many Frontier and Lynx Aviation aircraft in the foreground

Lynx Aviation

Main article: Lynx Aviation

On September 6, 2006, Frontier created a new division of the holding company, known as Lynx Aviation, to operate Bombardier Q400 aircraft beginning in May 2007.[67] On December 5, 2007, Lynx Aviation received its operating certificate from the FAA. Lynx began passenger operations on the morning of December 6, 2007.

After commencing operations, Lynx added service to 12 regional destinations: Albuquerque, Aspen, Billings, Bozeman, Colorado Springs, Durango, Fargo, Jackson Hole (Seasonal), Oklahoma City, Rapid City, Tulsa, and Wichita. Two additional cities, Omaha and Salt Lake City, were served by Lynx Aviation along with Frontier Airlines mainline service.

In 2012, the Lynx Aviation operation was folded into Republic Airways Holdings subsidiary Republic Airlines. The remaining Q400 aircraft were withdrawn from Frontier service and placed in service for United Airlines flying as United Express.

Maverick Airways

In 1997, Maverick Airways was operating code share service for Frontier with de Havilland Canada DHC-7 Dash 7 STOL capable turboprops between Denver (DEN) and two destinations in Colorado: Grand Junction (GJT) and Steamboat Springs (SBS).[68] However, the service was short lived as Maverick encountered financial challenges and then ceased all flights.

Destinations

Main article: List of Frontier Airlines destinations

Frontier Airlines currently flies to 95 destinations[69] throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and soon, Jamaica.

Expansion

In July 2017, Frontier announced 21 new cities and 84 new routes. These cities include Buffalo, Charleston, S.C., Pensacola, Jackson Hole, Palm Springs, San Jose, Reno, Little Rock, and Tulsa. Destinations that saw a significant bump-up in new service include Austin, Cincinnati, Long Island/Islip, N.Y., Miami, Orlando, Providence, San Antonio, and Tampa.[70]

By summer 2018, Frontier will fly a total of 314 new non-stop routes serving 82 cities, aiming to serve 90% of the US population within an hour's drive from a Frontier flight. Frontier will use planes from a $15 billion order to fly these routes.

Top Airports by Annual Seat Count (2017)[71]
Rank Origin Airport Seats
1 Denver, Colorado 3,904,890
2 Orlando, Florida 2,005,750
3 Las Vegas, Nevada 1,367,240
4 Chicago-O'Hare, Illinois 791,930
5 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 735,560
6 Cleveland, Ohio 701,180
7 Cincinnati, Ohio 646,730
8 Atlanta, Georgia 558,670
9 Phoenix, Arizona 507,680
10 Tampa, Florida 454,300

Frontier Miles

Frontier Miles is the frequent-flyer program for Frontier Airlines, replacing the EarlyReturns program, which existed from 2003 to 2018.[72] Frontier Miles can be earned by flying Frontier Airlines, using the Frontier Airlines World MasterCard, or by spending at partner hotels, car rental chains, cruises, and merchants.[73] Frontier Miles can be redeemed for flights, magazine subscriptions, and car rentals.[74]

Frontier has a three-tier frequent flyer status program. The tiers are Elite 20K (earned by flying 20,000 Status Qualifying Miles [SQM] or 25 segments in a calendar year), Elite 50K (50,000 SQM or 50 segments), and Elite 100K (100,000 SQM or 100 segments). Elite benefits include free carry-on and checked bags, advance seat assignment and family seating, priority boarding, redemption fee waiver, stretch seating, Discount Den membership, and mileage multipliers.[75]

Fleet

Current fleet

Frontier Airbus A321-200

As of October 2018, the Frontier Airlines all-Airbus fleet consists of the following aircraft:[76][77]

Frontier Airlines fleet
Aircraft In Service Orders Passengers Notes
Airbus A319-100 10 — 150 To be phased out.
Airbus A320-200 21 — 180
186
Airbus A320neo 30 150 186
Airbus A321-200 19 2 230
Airbus A321neo — 34 240
Total 80 186

Fleet modernization

During the 2011 Paris Air Show, Republic Airways Holdings ordered 60 A320neo aircraft and 20 A319neo aircraft for Frontier.[78] In 2014 the airline ordered 19 Airbus A321ceos.[79] In October 2016 Frontier Airlines took delivery of its first Airbus A320neo aircraft and became the second US operator of the type after Spirit Airlines.[80]

On November 15, 2017 Frontier Airlines announced a $15 billion order for 134 additional A320neo family aircraft. The order, slightly revised under new owner Indigo, consists of 100 A320neo and 34 A321neo. The order also includes the conversion of the remaining A319neo to A320neo.[81] With this order, Frontier Airlines fleet has industry-leading fuel efficiency. The fleet is also one of the most modern and young, particularly in comparison to other low-cost carriers,[nt 1] at an average age of 5 years as of 2018.[82]

Historic fleet

Frontier Airlines was the launch customer of the Airbus A318. Between 2003 and 2007, they took delivery of 11 of the type. However, retirement of the type already began in 2010 and was completed by autumn 2013. All of Frontier's A318 were not resold, but parted out for scrap. At the time of scrapping, the five youngest examples had spent less than two and a half years in active service, while the oldest two were just over ten years old.[83]

Frontier Boeing 737-300 in the 1994 livery
Frontier Airbus A320-200 in the 2001 livery
Frontier Airbus A320-200 in the 2013 livery
Frontier Airbus A321-200 in the 2014 livery
Retired Fleet
Aircraft Replacement Year Retired
Airbus A318-100[1] A319/A320 2013
Embraer E-170 A319/A320 2013
Embraer E-190 A319/A320 2013
Boeing 737-200[2] A318 2004
Boeing 737-300[3] A319 2005

Livery

From 1994 to 2001, the airline's livery consisted of green script "Frontier" titles on the forward fuselage, a small "Spirit of the West" slogan, and wildlife photography on the tail of each aircraft.[84] Most Boeing 737 aircraft featured different imagery on both sides.[85]

Beginning in 2001, a new livery was introduced on the airline's new Airbus A319s, with large silver "FRONTIER" titles on the sides of the aircraft, and the airline's "Spirit of the West" slogan, later changed to "A whole different animal." The animal tails were retained, although only one image per aircraft was now used. Though the airline's Boeing 737s remained in the fleet until 2005, none were repainted into this livery.

In April 2013, Frontier introduced a modified version of that livery,[86] keeping the iconic animals on aircraft tails, but dropping its former slogan and replacing "FRONTIER" with "FLYFRONTIER.COM", the company's website, in support of new marketing that focused heavily on the airline's web presence. This livery was only painted on a few newly delivered aircraft. Aircraft in the older livery received "FLYFRONTIER.COM" titles on engine nacelles.

On September 9, 2014, Frontier introduced an updated livery,[87] as part of a rebranding that saw the spokesanimals' roles increase. The new livery reintroduced a green "FRONTIER" typeface to the fuselage, featuring the stylized "F" designed by Saul Bass for the original Frontier in 1978. Each aircraft features the name of the animal featured on its tail near the nose of the aircraft for easier identification. Currently about twenty five aircraft in the Frontier fleet feature the new livery.

Animal concepts used in the livery extend into Frontier’s marketing as well. Each animal has a specific name.[88] Animal aircraft used in their radio and television commercials include Jack the rabbit, Grizwald the bear, Foxy the fox (for whom Jack has a crush), Flip the dolphin (who always gets stuck going to Chicago rather than the warmer climates the others are going to), Larry the lynx, Hector the sea otter, and Sal the cougar. New additions are Penguins Jim, Joe, Jay, and Gary, a barbershop-style quartet, singing the praises of EarlyReturns to an audience of Frontier’s well-known characters from the "a whole different animal" campaign, Hector the otter, advertising Frontier's expanding service to Mexico, and Polly the Parrot, who won the new animal audition in 2012.

Customer satisfaction and airline ratings

Frontier was ranked in an airline quality rating report by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Wichita State University in 2015 as one of the five worst airlines in the United States, especially due to its rate of customer complaints and bumped passengers.[89][53][90] The airline also had relatively poor on-time performance, and the waiting time for help when calling the airline on the phone was reported to have risen to two hours or more.[91]

As of 2018, one review of Frontier Airlines found the carrier made noticeable improvements in mishandled baggage while expanding its route network.[92]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ For comparison, fleet ages as of 2018: Southwest, 10.7 years; JetBlue, 9.7 years; Spirit, 5.4 years; WestJet, 9.7 years; Volaris, 4.3 years, Allegiant, 17 years, VivaAerobús, 5.2 years; Sun Country, 14.4 years. Information from Airfleets.net: Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit, WestJet, Volaris, Allegiant, VivaAerobús, Sun Country. (listed airlines from List of largest airlines in North America)

References

  1. ^ Vasigh, Bijan; Fleming, Kenneth; Humphreys, Barry (2014). Foundations of Airline Finance: Methodology and Practice. Routledge. p. 137. ISBN 9781317802495. OCLC 895660773 – via Google Books.
  2. ^ a b Kurywchak, Sharon (29 March 2018). "ORDER JO 7340.2H Contractions" (PDF). faa.gov. p. 3-1-46. Retrieved 2018-05-01.
  3. ^ "Frontier Airlines - Our History, 1993–1998". Frontier Airlines. Archived from the original on May 24, 2013. Retrieved July 5, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)[self-published source]
  4. ^ Maslen, Richard (25 February 2015). "Frontier Increases its Focus on Atlanta". Routes Online. Routes. Retrieved 2018-04-25.
  5. ^ Harden, Mark (30 September 2014). "Frontier Airlines making Chicago's O'Hare a focus". Chicago Business Journal. Retrieved 2018-04-25.
  6. ^ Williams, Jason (5 September 2014). "Frontier sets sales record with new Cincinnati flights". USA Today. Retrieved 2018-04-25.
  7. ^ Mutzabaugh, Ben (21 March 2014). "Frontier Airlines tabs Cleveland as newest focus city". USA Today. Retrieved 2018-04-25.
  8. ^ Marroquin, Art (4 May 2017). "Frontier adding Las Vegas flights, local crew base". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2018-04-25.
  9. ^ "Frontier Airlines' rapid network changes continue. A return to Philadelphia, now with a ULCC mindset". Insights > Analysis. CAPA—Centre for Aviation. 14 January 2015. Retrieved 2018-04-25.
  10. ^ "Frontier Grows in Raleigh-Durham - Now Flying to 15 Destinations" (Press release). Frontier Airlines. 8 February 2018. Retrieved 2018-04-25.[self-published source]
  11. ^ "Frontier Adds Nine New Routes From San Antonio" (Press release). Frontier Airlines. 17 May 2018. Retrieved 2018-08-08.
  12. ^ Loyd, Linda (15 January 2013). "Frontier Airlines will make Trenton's airport its East Coast base". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on 2013-02-01. Retrieved 2013-03-21 – via Aviationpros.com. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ https://www.planespotters.net/airline/Frontier-Airlines
  14. ^ a b "Republic Airways Names New Frontier CEO, President and Interim COO" (Press release). Republic Airways Holdings. 26 January 2012. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 17 May 2012 – via Business Wire. {{cite press release}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ a b c d e f "Bureau of Transportation Statistics". United States Department of Transportation. April 27, 2018. Select Carrier:Frontier Airlines. Retrieved 2018-04-27.
  16. ^ "logo_frontier_ldf" (PNG). Frontier Airlines (flyfrontier.com). 30 August 2017. Retrieved 2018-04-25.
  17. ^ "About Us". Frontier Airlines. Retrieved 2018-08-29.
  18. ^ "Volaris Now Selling Codeshare Flights with Frontier". TravelPulse. 3 August 2018. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
  19. ^ "Our History - Frontier Airlines". Archived from the original on 7 December 2011. Retrieved 1 October 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ http://www.departedflights.com, Jan. 14, 1995 Frontier Airlines route map[permanent dead link‍]
  21. ^ http://www.departedflights.com, Sept. 9, 1999 Frontier Airlines route map[permanent dead link‍]
  22. ^ "A318 is certificated as newest and smallest Airbus aircraft" (Press release). Retrieved 1 October 2014.[permanent dead link‍]
  23. ^ "Fact Sheet". Frontier Airlines. Archived from the original on October 17, 2006. Retrieved November 1, 2006. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)[self-published source]
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