Summary
- Frontier Airlines is reopening its pilot base in Chicago, which will create 110 new pilot jobs and bring the total number of employees at the base to 300.
- Frontier is also establishing a new crew base at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, which will employ 240 pilots and crew and generate $27 million in annual wages.
- These expansions in crew and pilot bases support the carrier’s growth and allow it to offer more ultra-low fares to customers, benefiting both the airline and the local communities.
While the continued expansion of route networks and the inauguration of new flights tend to capture the headlines, this cannot be possible without the continued expansion of operational support systems. Specifically, when a carrier expands flight offerings and welcomes new airports into its network, the opening of new crew and pilot bases must naturally follow suit.
Today, American ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines did exactly this with the reopening of its pilot base in Chicago, which serves both Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) and Chicago’s primary O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Additionally, the carrier also established a brand-new crew base at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG).
A welcome return to Chicago
In the Spring of 2024, Chicago’s two major airports will welcome the return of pilot bases that had been absent since April 2022. Within the first year of operations, Frontier anticipates that the new base will employ 110 new pilots within the first year of operation. When combined with the 190 cabin crew that is already based out of Chicago, the new base will have a total of 300 employees.
Photo: Angel DiBilio | Shutterstock
Naturally, the ultra-low-cost carrier is excited by the opportunity to continue expanding its operations and returning its human presence to Chicago. In a statement regarding the announcement of the base’s reestablishment, the airline’s CEO, Barry Biffle, had the following words to share:
“As we continue to grow in Chicago, it makes sense to establish a crew base to help support our expanding operations. Establishing a crew base is also a win for customers as it helps support smooth operations and provides a foundation to offer more ultra-low fares to more places.”
Currently, Frontier offers service to five different destinations from Chicago-O’Hare. These routes come in addition to thirteen other connections offered by the airline out of Midway.
Forging new paths in Cincinnati
While the carrier is bringing back former operational infrastructure in Chicago, the carrier is building out an entirely new base in Cincinnati. The base is expected to employ 240 pilots and crew together and will generate $27 million in annual wages, according to the airline.
Yet again, CEO Barry Biffle relayed his excitement at the announcement of the new staff base. In a statement today, the executive had the following words to share:
“The opening of a crew base will bring new jobs and meaningful wage impact to the greater Cincinnati area creating positive benefit for the airport and local community. Opening a crew base is also a win for customers who are able to take advantage of our ultra-low fares as we continue to grow at CVG and add new service over time.”
Currently, Frontier operates flights to twelve different destinations across the United States and Mexico from Cincinnati. Frontier’s crew expansion at the airport isn’t the first major investment at the facility this year. Earlier this year, major cargo airline DHL announced an investment of over $190 million to build a nearly 305,200-square-foot facility to perform aircraft maintenance.