turbojet28

Nice to see some new cities again, especially TIST

madmax757

Nice - looks like a major expansion in ONT also.

Pilottim79

Well, PHX base looking all but a sure thing. ONT coming on quick. What would be your bet for the 3rd base in the running? EWR, AUS, TPA, CVG, CLE???

GearSlinger07

CVG


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turbojet28

I’d say TPA. Eventually, I think ONT will become one, too. No evidence, just a gut feeling. Every time I go there, it strikes me how underutilized it seems, and surrounded by millions and millions of people. Just seems ripe for massive growth by a ULCC.

TurboFanMan

CVG will be one, just a matter of time.

Aero1900

I think PHX has a strong chance. It's a large, fast growing city (fastest growing city in the US?) and its primary competition is the weakest of the big airlines. I think the fact we have opened bases in PHL and MIA tells you how Frontier feels about competing with AA

Also maybe CVG because it's probably cheap to operate out of

DrJekyll MrHyde

If there was anything close to a hint of a new base being thrown around by BL in recurrent recently, it was PHX. He spoke repeatedly about the overhaul of how we route aircraft for recoverability. We had a lot of “W” routes, where aircraft saw numerous outstations before returning into a base where tail swaps and crew swaps could happen. They now want turns (outstation and back) and “V” routes (base to outstation to different base). Which BL implied means several more small bases as growth occurs; without the need to shrink any existing bases. He said (paraphrasing) ‘that the new route structures and resulting trips won’t be great for commuters but will be great for those who live near one of the several bases.’

The current COVID environment has given them the opportunity to restructure routes and prepare for a more aggressive expansion in bases as flying returns.

So speaking from a recoverability standpoint, I think TPA is out (at least for pilots) because crew recoverability is a simple 45-60min limo ride from MCO. Current outstations that see a lot of turns and interactions with other bases through “V routes” are the most prime candidates for crew bases; you can make your educated guesses.

Xdashdriver

In our recurrent, BL mentioned TPA and RSW twice as possible crew bases along with the other “usual suspects”. He seemed non-committal about ONT.

FlyingR6

Were merging with Allegiant, you heard it here first!

For real, not too reassuring to hear management talk about how it wont be good for commuters before any new base is actually announced.