USA: Spirit Airlines Introduces Flights To Virgin Islands

Spirit Airlines announced the expansion of its flight network to the Virgin Islands with an all-new service from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to St. Croix’s Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX).

We are excited to offer even more flights to more of the U.S. Virgin Islands, with Spirit’s new service to St. Croix, said Mark Kopczak, Spirit Airlines’ Vice President of Network Planning.

The nonstop service is scheduled to operate thrice-weekly, starting today, and it offers a second option for Spirit Guests to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands, which complements the existing flight to St. Thomas.

Spirit Airlines currently operates over 500 daily services to 65 destinations across the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Kopczak added later that Spirit has been offering ultra-low fares to the territory for over 12 years, and this new service to St. Croix will allow more of our Guests to save money on airfare to spend making memories in paradise, he said.

We look forward to deepening our partnership with Spirit as the airline expands its service in the U.S. Virgin Islands with flights to St. Croix, says Beverly Nicholson-Doty, Commissioner of Tourism for the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Spirit Airlines remains committed to its support and growth in the region, as it established through a statement.

Since Hurricane Maria, Aguadilla Airport (BQN) in Puerto Rico had limited power, scarce services, and no air-conditioning.

Spirit Airlines and Airways assisted people trying to leave BQN.

The Airways Aid in association with Operation Puerto Rico Care Lift raised over $120,000 and 50,000 pounds in supplies and donations that were distributed by special relief and scheduled flights.

St. Croix is the airline’s 13th destination in the Caribbean, and it follows previous service launches such as Cap-Haitien, its second destination in Haiti, as well as the restart of operations at the island of St. Maarten.

The carrier claims it manages one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the country, with 119 aircraft, featuring 31 Airbus A319-100, 53 Airbus A320-200, five Airbus A320neo, and 30 Airbus A321-200.


Tourism Observer

USA: Spirit Airlines Announces Minneapolis & New Orleans Routes

American low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines announced it will begin flights to Minneapolis/St. Paul (Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport – MSP) and New Orleans (Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport – MSY) from Atlanta.

With the addition of the new routes, Spirit Airlines will serve 17 cities from Atlanta.

Spirit Airlines already flies to Atlantic City, Baltimore/Washington DC, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers (seasonally), Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando, Philadelphia, and Tampa.

Spirit Airlines will become the third airline to operate flights between Atlanta and New Orleans as both Delta and Southwest already fly this route. Last year, Delta held approximately 68-76% of the market share while Southwest held around 25% with close to around 800 passengers per day between the two cities.

Meanwhile, Spirit Airlines will become the fourth airline to operate flights between Atlanta and Minneapolis/St. Paul behind Delta, Southwest, and Frontier Airlines, who operates seasonal flights.

There are about 1,000 passengers per day on average that fly between the two cities, according to the U.S. DOT Domestic Airfare Consumer report. Delta hold about around 70-72% of the market share while Southwest has typically held close to 20%.

“We are extremely excited to announce we’re expanding our low-fare nonstop service from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL),” said Mark Kopczak, Spirit Airlines’ Vice President of Network Planning.

“Spirit’s super low Bare Fares, with Frill Control allow customers to choose only those extras they want to pay for and gives them the most control over their travel budget. By saving on air travel, our customers will have more money left over for when they get to their destination.”

“We are excited that Spirit Airlines will launch service to two new destinations from Atlanta,” said Miguel Southwell, General Manager of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. “Additional nonstop routes from Atlanta are not only good for business, but they also give our customers more choices and greater access. I have no doubt that customers will greatly appreciate the new service.”

Since launching flights in February 2006 to Atlanta, Spirit Airlines has increased its presence quite a bit; the airline launched a major expansion over the summer by adding nine new destinations from Atlanta. According to U.S. DOT data, Spirit flew 431 flights in July of this year with 88.73% load factor, and it flew 466 flights in August with a 78.27% load factor.