Frontier Airlines Registers New Trade Name

Frontier Airlines, a US-based low-cost carrier, has recently received approval from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to use a new name for some of its air transportation operations. The DOT has granted immediate permission to use the Frontera brand name, derived from the Spanish word for ‘border,’ for specific air transportation operations, effective May 6, 2024, as stated in the official DOT document.

On April 16, 2024, Frontier Airlines submitted a request to register the trade name Frontera. Under Part 215 of the Department’s regulations, any air carrier who intends to use an alternative trade name must register it with the Department. Typically, the DOT only intervenes in name similarity disputes if there is a high potential for public confusion, which was not the case for this request.

Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Frontier Airlines confirmed that their request did not raise any name similarity issues or other concerns under Part 215. The DOT’s review subsequently confirmed this. The approval of the Frontera name will allow Frontier Airlines to expand its brand and offer more diverse services to its customers. The DOT notice stated:

“Since Frontier Airlines has complied with the requirements of Part 215, the Department acknowledges and approves the registration of the trade name “Frontera” for use in Frontier’s operations, effective immediately.”

Frontier Airlines has not yet announced any specific plans for how it will use the Frontera brand name for its air transportation operations. However, the approval from the DOT gives the airline more flexibility to expand and potentially offer new services under the Frontera brand in the future.

More about Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines is an ultra-low-cost carrier that operates 142 aircraft from the A320 family. Established in 1994, the Denver-based airline offers affordable air travel options across the US and select international destinations. Frontier Airlines currently operates the largest A320neo family fleet in the United States and has committed to receiving 67 new Airbus A320neo and 137 A321neo aircraft by 2030, which reveals an ambitious expansion plan.

Photo: Carlos Yudica | Shutterstock

According to ch-aviation data, the airline plans to add 42 aircraft to its fleet in 2025, consisting of 17 A320neo and 25 A321neo models. In 2026, the airline plans to receive 41 aircraft, with 19 A320neo and 22 A321neo. The trend is expected to continue in 2027 with 42 new aircraft, split evenly between 21 A320neo and 21 A321neo. In 2028, the airline plans to receive 40 aircraft, namely 30 A321neo and 10 A320neo. For 2029 and beyond, Frontier Airlines plans to add 22 A321neo aircraft to its fleet.

Frontier Airlines launches aggressive expansion in Puerto Rico

Frontier Airlines serves numerous destinations across the United States, including major cities, vacation destinations, and regional airports. The airline also offers select international flights to popular tourist destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean.

While presenting the company’s first-quarter financial results for 2024, Barry Biffle, Frontier Airlines’ CEO, explained its intention to see San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital, operate as a hub for the company for its Caribbean operations. Biffle said:

“We see a massive opportunity for flights to the United States. San Juan provides a gateway to the broader Caribbean region.”

Frontier Airlines currently offers 16 routes that depart from Puerto Rico. Of those routes, 14 originate from San Juan, and the remaining two depart from Aguadilla and Ponce. Frontier plans to add 14 more routes during the summer peak season of 2024. Since 2019, Frontier has increased its capacity in Puerto Rico by more than double.

Related

JetBlue Boosts Puerto Rico Flights To Counter Frontier’s Recent Moves In Caribbean

JetBlue is the largest carrier in San Juan and intends to stay at the top.

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