Originally Posted by
Green Giant
Spirit Airlines is a Major Airline by definition. True we are what people would call a LCC; however Spirit is a Major Airline. Spirit is not a Legacy Airline but you don't need to be a Legacy to be a Major. Operating Revenue is the determining factor on how the DOT lists the airline.
"The United States Department of Transportation defines a major carrier or major airline carrier as a U.S.-based airline that posts more than $1 billion in revenue during a fiscal year.[1] The term "major carrier" or "major airline" can also refer to traditional legacy carriers, distinguishing them from startup and low-cost carriers."
Thanks for the technical definition. Yes Spirit is a major airline by DOT standards, but it has become clear that the Legacies are operating more of a network clearly aimed at capturing business and high yield travelers and fill the plane at the margins.
The LCC's seemed to be focused on the leisure markets and budget travelers. OK, NK grew fast during the last $80-$100 oil spurt, but we'll see if that happens again.
IMO, bottom line is the LCC's will start to collide with each other at some point (especially if you throw in SWA which seems to be trying to get out of the LCC game and more into the network game) and that will lead to mergers/buyouts which seldom leads to explosive growth.
Best of luck.
