US ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines has operated its inaugural flights from both Las Vegas and Orlando to Memphis. The aircraft was welcomed in Tennessee by a traditional water cannon salute.Flights began on April 20th, marking the airline’s first regular scheduled appearance at Memphis International Airport (MEM). A third new route connecting Memphis with Los Angeles will be added on June 8th.
When speaking about the new routes, president and CEO of Spirit Airlines, Ted Christie, said,
“Increasing our presence in Tennessee means more high-value travel options for our new Memphis guests looking for convenient flights to some of the country’s most popular leisure destinations.”
The airline was received with open arms by Memphis International Airport, which recently underwent a modernization project, including the full redesign of its concourse area.
The chairman of the Memphis – Shelby County Airport Authority Board of Commissioners, Michael Keeny, said,
“It’s a great day for MEM passengers as Spirit will offer daily nonstop options to two very popular destinations. We are excited about Spirit’s long-term growth potential at MEM.”
A closer look at the flight schedule
The daily flights will be flown by Spirit Airlines’ Airbus A320neo aircraft, seating a total of 182 passengers in an all-economy configuration.
Memphis (MEM) – Las Vegas (LAS)
- Flight NK3373 - departing Memphis at 9.44 am, arriving in Las Vegas at 11.09 am.
- Flight NK3374 - departing Las Vegas at 12.05 pm, arriving in Memphis at 5.17 pm
Memphis (MEM) – Orlando (MCO)
- Flight NK2865 - departing Memphis at 6.17 pm, arriving in Orlando at 9.22 pm
- Flight NK2866 - departing Orlando at 7.45 am, arriving in Memphis at 8.43 am
The ultra-low-cost carrier will go head-to-head with Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines on the Memphis to Las Vegas route, and with American Eagle, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines on the Memphis to Orlando route.
When it comes to the new Memphis to Los Angeles service, competition will come in the form of Allegiant Air and Delta Air Lines.
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Spirit Airlines - further expansion on the horizon
Spirit Airlines began flying under its current brand in May 1992, and almost 30 years later it has grown to become the eighth-largest airline in North America by passengers carried. Today its route network covers North, Central, and South America.
Both Frontier Airlines and JetBlue have recently expressed an interest in acquiring the airline.
The airline has 176 aircraft in its fleet, consisting of the Airbus A319, A320, and A321. With 134 aircraft on order still awaiting delivery, we can expect to see further new routes from Spirit Airlines over the coming months.
Have you already flown on one of Spirit Airlines' new services to Memphis? Share your experiences by commenting below.
Source: Aviacionline