Frontier Airlines' decision to move from an all-Boeing fleet to an all-Airbus fleet was considered by many in the United States to be a "bit edgy," says Jeff Potter, the airline's president and chief executive.
"I have been asked many times: ‘Why?' The answer is the efficiencies we got on maintenance as well as fuel savings," Potter said at the show yesterday.
He was showing off the first of the Airbus A318s to enter service and due for delivery to Denver-based Frontier in a few weeks' time.
At the show for a day, the aircraft attracted attention with the grizzly bear on its tail. Frontier's unique livery features different wild animals found in the continental USA.
"We chose the A318 because we recognised there were specific routes where its size was perfect," says Potter.
The airline already operates A319 aircraft.
Says Potter: "Although this aircraft is a whole different animal for our crews and passengers, it's in the same species as our other A320 family aircraft."
Source: Flight Daily News
