Frontier to add crew base in Phoenix in November

Frontier Airlines plans to open a crew base in Phoenix later this year as it expands its reach ahead of a planned merger with US ultra-low-cost carrier rival Spirit Airlines. The Denver-based airline says on 1 March that it plans to station up to 180 pilots and 275 flight attendants in Phoenix in the first year, “with additional growth anticipated in the future”. “We are currently the third largest airline [in Phoenix] based on number of destinations served and we anticipate continued growth as our fleet and route network further expand,” says chief executive Barry Biffle. “Phoenix is a highly desirable place to live and our crew have been asking for a base at PHX for some time.” Frontier currently operates 14 non-stop routes from Phoenix, and the city will be the carrier’s eighth US pilot base and its ninth flight attendant base. Frontier last month announced plans to acquire and merge with Florida-based Spirit in a $6.6b deal.<br/>