Frontier Airlines will make Cleveland its 11th base next year
Frontier Airlines is betting big on Cleveland, announcing plans on Wednesday to open a crew base in the Ohio city that could create hundreds of jobs for pilots, flight attendants and maintenance technicians.
Frontier's move also is a boon for Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). The airport was among the nation's busier airports a decade ago but has struggled with declining flight and passenger numbers since United Airlines pulled the plug on its hub there back in 2014.
However, the airport is now attempting a revival, with passenger traffic finally trending up again amid broader plans to rebuild its terminal.
Frontier's plan for a crew base could help auger a revitalization that's begun to take hold there. The airline said the base could produce more flights and destinations — even on top of the 17 it already serves from Cleveland.
The city is Frontier's 11th base — the ultra-low-cost carrier also operates bases in cities like Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Las Vegas, Miami and Philadelphia.
The base would employ up to 110 pilots, 250 flight attendants and 50 maintenance personnel, according to the airline. Frontier anticipates the new base, combined with existing airport positions, will generate $80 million in local wages.
Frontier CEO Barry Biffle used the opening of the base to tout the carrier's presence in Cleveland.
Related: Everything you should know before flying Frontier Airlines
"A crew base also positively impacts customers as it helps to support smooth flight operations," Biffle said in a statement. "Our new crew base reflects our commitment to continued growth at CLE as we bring even more of our 'Low Fares Done Right' to area residents."
Frontier's addition of a Cleveland base comes as the ultra-low-cost carrier has struggled with sluggish revenues amid softening domestic travel demand. That could be part of what's driving the airline to open the new hub in Cleveland, according to Cranky Flier, a website that features airline news and analysis.
The site likened Frontier's move to ones commonly seen at ultra-low-cost carriers in Europe — or at fellow domestic ultra-low-cost carrier Allegiant.
In short, the move would feature "out-and-back" operations where crews and planes ultimately start and end their days in the same base. That simplifies operations and could help isolate irregular operations — such as those caused by weather or air traffic control issues — ultimately helping to improve the company's bottom line.
Frontier didn't mention such a broad strategy change in its announcement, which was warmly received by Cleveland officials.
"The City of Cleveland and the entire region will benefit from this announcement and the many layers of value that come with a new crew base," Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb said in a statement. "We are grateful for the confidence Frontier has in the Cleveland market and for the economic boost that will follow from this investment."
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