Frontier Airlines will open two new crew bases and the reopening of the Chicago base for the first half of 2024. The airline, owned by Indigo Partners, will establish bases at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE).
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport Base
The new crew base at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) will open in May 2024. The base is expected to generate approximately 240 new jobs for 80 pilots and 160 flight attendants in its first year of operation.
Along with airport and maintenance positions, the airline is anticipated to generate around $27 million in annual local salaries, with further growth expected in the coming years. Frontier currently offers 12 non-stop routes from CVG.
Frontier Airlines CEO, Barry Biffle, stated: «The opening of a crew base will bring new jobs and a significant salary impact to the Cincinnati metropolitan area, creating a positive benefit for the airport and the local community.»
Candace McGraw, CEO of CVG, added: «We are very grateful when Frontier entered our market 10 years ago as our first low-cost airline. Since the airline began serving CVG, they have experienced tremendous growth, serving over 7.8 million travelers.»
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport Base
Frontier Airlines plans to inaugurate the new crew base at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) in March 2024. The new base will generate 410 new jobs, employing up to 110 pilots, 250 flight attendants, and 50 aircraft maintenance employees in its first year of operation.
The airline is expected to generate around $80 million in annual local salaries, with further growth projected in the coming years.
Frontier is the fastest-growing airline in CLE, with a 53% increase in passenger capacity in the last year. The airline currently offers 17 non-stop routes from CLE, more than any other company this winter.
Barry Biffle expressed: «We are delighted to collaborate with the Cleveland community as we continue to expand our operations in CLE, contributing a significant economic impact to the area through new job opportunities. A crew base also positively impacts customers by enhancing flight operations.»
«The city of Cleveland and the entire region will benefit from this announcement and the numerous advantages that come with a new crew base,» said Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb. «We appreciate Frontier’s confidence in the Cleveland market and the economic boost this investment will bring.»
Reopening of the Chicago Base
The reopening of the Chicago base, which will encompass O’Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) airports, will begin operations in May 2024. Frontier previously maintained a pilot base in Chicago until April 2022. The base is expected to employ up to 110 pilots in its first year of operation. Combined with the 190 existing flight attendant positions, the Chicago base will host a total of 300 Frontier crew members.
The airline is expected to generate more than $34 million in annual local salaries, with further growth anticipated in the coming years. Frontier currently offers 13 non-stop routes from MDW and five non-stop routes from ORD.
«As we continue to grow in Chicago, it makes sense to establish a crew base to support our expanding operations. Establishing a crew base is also a gain for customers as it helps maintain smooth operations and provides a foundation to offer more ultra-low fares to more destinations,» said Barry Biffle.
Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee of the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) stated: «We welcome Frontier Airlines’ decision to re-establish its pilot base here in Chicago, further reinforcing our city’s position as a hub in the global aviation system.»
«It is important to highlight that this strategic move will enable the airline to maintain its diverse and growing service at both O’Hare and Midway, keeping airfares competitive and improving options for Chicago consumers,» added Rhee.
