Spirit Airlines Planning To Open New Pilot Base At Newark Liberty International Airport In September

Summary

Spirit Airlines is opening a new crew base in Newark, replacing its base in Atlantic City.
Newark was chosen for its extensive network, as Spirit became the second-largest airport carrier, servicing 22 destinations.
The airline’s commitment to New Jersey and New York travelers is reflected in the decision to establish a crew base in Newark.

One of America’s largest ultra-low-cost carriers is setting its sights on the country’s biggest cities. The airline decided earlier this year to axe its base in neighboring Atlantic City and plans to open its next crew base at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Spirit Airlines will open a new crew base in Newark this September. Starting with 200 pilots, additional supervisory and support functions are expected to follow quickly.

Newark was an obvious choice for the carrier, given its extensive network and flight schedule already in operation at the New York airport since first launching its inaugural service to the airport in October 2016. Spirit has become the second-largest airport carrier, operating 32 peak-day departures to 22 destinations.

Photo: Spirit Airlines

Already adding seven destinations from Newark in the last year, the airline is committed to serving New Jersey travelers and those in neighboring New York. This investment will reflect the airline’s commitment to Garden State and use the airport’s proximity to serve the most populated area in the United States.

Spirit Airlines Airbus A320neo departing Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport FLL

Spirit Airlines Will Close Its Crew Base At Atlantic City International Airport

The news comes as the airline is reducing its capacity with deferred deliveries and the accelerated removals and inspections of the PW1100G engines.

Ten bases and counting

Almost simultaneously replacing Atlantic City as the airline’s tenth crew base, Newark will join Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Houston (IAH), Las Vegas (LAS), Miami (MIA) and Orlando (MCO). Spirit’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, John Bendoraitis, expressed his excitement about the airline’s latest growth plans in the airline’s statement:

“We’re continuously focused on running a strong, reliable operation, and our growth at EWR paired with the airport’s location in the nation’s largest metropolitan area make Newark ideal for our next Pilot crew base. Spirit has a long history of serving New Jersey travelers, and this investment reflects our commitment to our Guests and Team Members in the Garden State. We thank the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Newark Liberty International Airport and our community partners for their continued support.”

Photo: Spirit Airlines

Several new routes from Spirit are set to launch later this year in Newark, with Colombus-Glen being added on June 5. More services will follow to Chicago-O’Hare and Kansa City (from July 10). Several services, including San Juan, Oakland, and Phoenix-Sky Harbor, are set to be canceled this year. It remains unclear if these will be reinstated once the crew base is established.

What is a crew base?

This is where flight crews will usually commence and complete their duty periods. An airline base can be as simple as a single aircraft and a few crew members stationed at an airport from where they operate routes; however, for Spirit, Newark is a prime contender, given its strategic location, large population base, and robust network to and from Newark airport.