As the wife of a Frontier pilot hopefully I can give some feedback to your questions.
How is the airline doing?
It's really tough to determine
truly how any airline is doing. F9 did post a profit last quarter, but due to fuel costs remaining at historic levels and the devastation of the recent hurricanes they are not expecting a profit next quarter. Does that mean they are unstable? No, it's pretty typical to have ups and downs. They are expanding rather than downsizing so that would be a key indicator for me.
Do they treat their employees well?
I can honestly say that yes, I believe they treat their employees with respect and care. They are a company who really believes in communication. There are memos and newsletters issued all the time, and they seem to listen to their employees.
How is Southwest going to effect them in Denver?
To quote Jeff Potter (CEO)
We have always prided ourselves on concentrating more on the customer than the competition – in other words, we have built loyalty through differentiating ourselves from other airlines through our employees, through customer service, fares, and of course our amazing product. But of course we will always look closely at new routes, new fares, frequencies and new competition. Refer to what I said in a letter to employees last week’s announcement: “Whether it's Southwest or anyone else, we can all take solace in the fact that we have spent the past 12 years preparing to compete with any and all airlines, by building an amazing company, and offering the industry's best product. So, in essence, it is each of you that has helped us prepare for Southwest.”
You're going to hear a million opinions on this, but keep in mind they are only opinions and if they are coming from someone who works for a competitor they will always defend their own airline. They have to, they must believe their airline.
Truly only time will tell what's going to happen in Denver.
What is the union like?
From what I see and hear this union believes in both the pilots and the company. In other words, they work very hard to communicate on both sides and take any and all feedback. It's really refreshing for me to see after experiencing a nationalized union. They work with the company and negotiations are just that, negotiations. It doesn't appear to be hostile in any way, shape or form.
I have heard that Frontier is more partial to local Denver guys. Any truth to that?
Be careful what you read on that "other" board. Albeit there is some good information to be found there, most of the posters like to throw daggers without knowing all of the facts. Having said that, it is true that F9 likes locals and in the past gave preference to Denverites (is that a word?). But it has changed significantly. I don't remember the exact figure but somewhere in the neighborhood of 1/3 of the pilots commute. Honestly, I think any airline is partial to the local pilots as they are more readily available for short call-outs and emergencies. But it is not reality that you can staff your entire airline with locals and I think Frontier has realized that.
They are hiring mostly from internal recommendations right now (just like most all of the other airlines) but as they continue to hire over time I'm sure that will change. Internal recommendations have always been extremely important in this industry and I'm certain that will continue.
I hope all of this blather makes some sense and helps with some of your questions. All-in-all I have found Frontier to be a great group of people who look out for each other and the future of their company. They seem happy. I know my Hubby is and that's what matters to me.
Good luck to your Husband!